noun
lateness
LAYT-nihs
Lateness (noun) means the state or fact of being late. Example: “His constant lateness annoyed his coworkers.”
noun
1
The state or fact of being late.
"A 40 m.p.h. slack at West Ruislip, quickly followed by a 30 m.p.h. slack at Gerrards Cross, increased our lateness to four minutes at High Wycombe."
— R. C. Riley, The London-Birmingham services - Past, Present and Future (1960)
"His constant lateness annoyed his coworkers."
"His chronic lateness will cost him a promotion if not his job."
How to use lateness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe quality of arriving or happening after the expected time.
Common pairings
chronic lateness
the lateness of the hour
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like lateness.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- latenesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His constant _____ annoyed his coworkers.
Etymology
From late plus the noun-forming suffix -ness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lateness
oneness
likeness
idleness
rudeness
niceness
cuteness
awareness
whiteness
closeness
politeness
gentleness
uniqueness
See all rhymes for lateness →
Frequently asked questions
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.
