Lateness

/ˈleɪtnəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The quality or state of being late; the act of arriving after the expected or usual time.

His lateness to the meeting upset the schedule for the entire day.

A delay or tardiness in an action or event.

The lateness of her arrival prompted questions about her health.

The condition of being late in a broader context, such as cultural or social norms.

In this culture, there is a certain tolerance for lateness at social gatherings.

Derived from the adjective 'late' with the suffix '-ness' indicating a state or condition.

fashionably late

Arriving later than expected, often to make an entrance.

better late than never

It's preferable to arrive or do something late than not at all.

late bloomer

Someone who achieves success or maturity later in life.

late

Arriving after the usual or expected time.

tardy

Being late or delayed.

delay

The act of postponing or slowing down.

Showing up late to an event or gathering.

He always rolls in late; we call it 'pulling a lateness'.

The habit of being late frequently.

Her lateness is so common that we just say she's on 'standard time'.