Meaning & Definition of word "Lateness"

Lateness

/ˈleɪtnəs/

1. The quality or state of being late; the act of arriving after the expected or usual time.
- Example: His lateness to the meeting upset the schedule for the entire day.
2. A delay or tardiness in an action or event.
- Example: The lateness of her arrival prompted questions about her health.
3. The condition of being late in a broader context, such as cultural or social norms.
- Example: 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.

Meaning: Showing up late to an event or gathering.

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

Meaning: The habit of being late frequently.

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