Deadline

/ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A point in time by which something must be completed or submitted.

The deadline for submitting the project proposal is next Friday.

A date or time by which a task must be finished.

We have a strict deadline to finish the report before the meeting.

The final date by which something must be done, especially in a professional context.

She was stressed about the deadline for the grant application.

The last moment allowed for submitting or completing something.

He worked late into the night to meet the deadline.

First known use in the early 20th century, originally referring to a line drawn around a prison beyond which a prisoner could not pass.

miss a deadline

To fail to submit something by the required time.

meet a deadline

To complete something within the required time frame.

hard deadline

A non-negotiable time limit.

soft deadline

A time limit that allows for some flexibility.

time management

The process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different activities.

task

A piece of work to be done or undertaken.

project

An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.

Crunch time

When the deadline approaches and everyone is working hard to finish.

Deadline pressure

The feeling of stress caused by having to meet a deadline.