Meaning & Definition of word "Tardy"

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    Tardy

    /ˈtɑːr.di/

    adjective:

    • 1. Delaying or delayed beyond the right or expected time; late.
      • Example: She was tardy to the meeting due to heavy traffic.
    • 2. Occurring or done later than expected or usual.
      • Example: His tardy response to the email caused some confusion.
    • 3. Sluggish in action or performance; slow.
      • Example: The service was tardy, and we had to wait a long time for our food.

    Etymology

    Late Middle English: from Latin tardus 'slow, slow-moving'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    tardy for class:

    arriving late to a class or educational setting.

    tardy fee:

    a financial penalty assessed for being late, usually related to payments.

    tardy notice:

    a written warning issued to someone who is habitually late.

    Related Words

    dawdle:

    to waste time in a lazy or aimless way.

    procrastinate:

    to delay or postpone action.

    Slang Meanings of tardy

    Meaning: fashionably late

    Example Sentence: She always arrives tardy, claiming it's her style to be fashionably late.

    Meaning: dragging

    Example Sentence: He was dragging all week, being tardy to every appointment.