noun

lateness

LAYT-nihs

Lateness (noun) means the state or fact of being late. Example: “His constant lateness annoyed his coworkers.”

noun

The state or fact of being late.

"His constant lateness annoyed his coworkers."

How to use lateness

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe quality of arriving or happening after the expected time.

Common pairings

chronic lateness the lateness of the hour

latenesses plural

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Can you complete this real example?

His constant _____ annoyed his coworkers.

From late plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.

earliness punctuality

earliness punctuality tardiness

oneness likeness idleness rudeness niceness cuteness awareness whiteness closeness politeness gentleness uniqueness

What does “lateness” mean?

The word “lateness” means the state or fact of being late. In plain terms, the quality of arriving or happening after the expected time.

How do you pronounce “lateness”?

“Lateness” is pronounced LAYT-nihs (/ˈleɪt.nɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “lateness” in a sentence?

Here is “lateness” used in a sentence: “His constant lateness annoyed his coworkers.”

What is the opposite of “lateness”?

The opposite of “lateness” — its antonyms — are earliness and punctuality.

What part of speech is “lateness”?

“Lateness” is a noun.

earliness punctuality tardiness