Timeliness: meaning, definitions and examples

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timeliness

 

[ˈtaɪmliˌnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in business

The quality or fact of being done or occurring at a favorable or useful time; punctuality.

Synonyms

promptitude, promptness, punctuality, timely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timeliness

Timeliness refers to the quality of happening at a proper or useful time. It is often used in professional or formal contexts to indicate that something occurs when it is most needed or expected.

  • The timeliness of the project delivery impressed the clients
  • The timeliness of the medical intervention saved the patient's life
punctuality

Punctuality means being on time for an event or deadline. This term is commonly used in social, educational, and professional settings to express the importance of arriving or completing tasks exactly when they are supposed to.

  • Punctuality is essential for success in the corporate world
  • The school emphasizes punctuality as a key value for its students
promptness

Promptness is used to describe the characteristic of being on time and not delayed. It can be used in both formal and informal settings to indicate immediate action or quick response.

  • The promptness of the response from the customer service team was appreciated
  • His promptness in meeting deadlines makes him a valuable employee
timely

Timely is an adjective used to describe something done or occurring at a favorable or appropriate time. It is often used to highlight the importance of the timing of events or actions.

  • His timely advice helped me make the right decision
  • The timely arrival of the firefighters prevented a disaster
promptitude

Promptitude describes the quality of being quick to act or respond. It often implies a sense of urgency and is sometimes used in more formal or literary contexts.

  • Her promptitude in addressing the issue prevented further problems
  • The officer was known for his promptitude in emergencies

Examples of usage

  • Her timeliness in submitting the report impressed her boss.
  • The timeliness of the delivery helped to meet the deadline.
  • The timeliness of the new product launch was crucial for its success.
Context #2 | Noun

in journalism

The fact of being current or up-to-date in terms of news or information.

Synonyms

currentness, immediacy, relevance, topicality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timeliness

Use when referring to the importance of something happening or being done at the right moment or within a particular time frame.

  • The timeliness of the report was crucial for the project's success.
  • Timeliness is essential in the delivery of emergency services.
currentness

Refers to the state of being up-to-date or contemporary, especially in relation to information or trends.

  • The currentness of the information on the website makes it very useful.
  • He prides himself on the currentness of his fashion sense.
topicality

Focuses on the current interest or importance of a subject, often linked to news or trends.

  • The topicality of the issue made it the headline for weeks.
  • He always brings up topics with great topicality during meetings.
relevance

Emphasizes how pertinent or applicable something is to the matter at hand. This can be in discussions, data, or events.

  • The relevance of his comments to the discussion was immediately clear.
  • She questioned the relevance of the old data to the current study.
immediacy

Focuses on the sense of being urgent or needing immediate attention, often creating a sense of closeness in time.

  • The immediacy of her response showed her commitment to the issue.
  • Live broadcasts provide a sense of immediacy that recorded shows lack.

Examples of usage

  • The timeliness of the article made it go viral on social media.
  • Journalists strive for timeliness in reporting breaking news.
  • The timeliness of the news report helped to inform the public quickly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from 'time,' which comes from the Old English 'tima,' meaning a period or a season.
  • The suffix '-ness' is used to form nouns indicating a state or quality, showing timeliness as a quality of time.
  • The concept of timeliness has evolved through languages over centuries, emphasizing the importance of punctuality in various cultures.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, being on time is a sign of respect and professionalism, influencing business and social interactions.
  • In Japan, trains are known for their punctuality, highlighting a cultural emphasis on timeliness in daily life.
  • Certain cultures may have a more relaxed view of time, indicating varied interpretations of what being 'on time' means.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that punctuality can be linked to personality traits such as conscientiousness and reliability.
  • Being timely can reduce anxiety and improve productivity, as it enables better planning and time management.
  • Perceptions of timeliness can vary, with some perceiving it as strictness, while others see it as a flexible guideline.

Business

  • In the business world, timeliness can significantly impact success, with deadlines playing a crucial role in project management.
  • Companies often emphasize timely delivery of services or products as a competitive advantage.
  • Timeliness in communications, like emails or meetings, enhances teamwork and strengthens relationships.

Education

  • Schools often structure schedules around timeliness, teaching students the importance of being on time.
  • Timely feedback in education helps students improve and engage with learning material more effectively.
  • Recognizing the significance of time management in academic success can lead to better study habits among students.

Translations

Translations of the word "timeliness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontualidade

🇮🇳 समय पर होना

🇩🇪 Pünktlichkeit

🇮🇩 ketepatan waktu

🇺🇦 своєчасність

🇵🇱 punktualność

🇯🇵 時間厳守 (じかんげんしゅ)

🇫🇷 ponctualité

🇪🇸 puntualidad

🇹🇷 dakiklik

🇰🇷 정시성 (jeongsiseong)

🇸🇦 الالتزام بالمواعيد

🇨🇿 dochvilnost

🇸🇰 dochvíľnosť

🇨🇳 及时性 (jíshíxìng)

🇸🇮 točnost

🇮🇸 stundvísi

🇰🇿 уақыттылық

🇬🇪 დროულობა

🇦🇿 dəqiqlik

🇲🇽 puntualidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,595, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.