Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The state of being late or tardy, or of coming or appearing after the usual or proper time: as, the lateness of harvest.
  • noun Time far advanced in any particular period: as, lateness in the season.
  • noun Recency, absolute or comparative; recent origin, discovery, etc.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The state, condition, or quality, of being late

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun The property of being late

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun quality of coming late or later in time

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Chronic lateness is often overlooked by Peruvians who consider it an endearing cultural trait.

    Archive 2007-02-25 Bill Crider 2007

  • And lateness is very forgivable when there's a hubby-prepared elaborate meal involved.

    Double-Header Postgame Post! Now with great linking action! kittenpie 2006

  • Sorry this post is late, but the reason for the lateness is the purpose for the post, so in a way, it all works out.

    writing the right book « 2009

  • The lateness was the only thing that bothered me, but it didn't really bother me.

    Date Lab: A date with lip-to-cheek action Post 2010

  • A kid running to school simply suggests lateness, which is acceptable.

    Runners Jack Canfield 2010

  • A kid running to school simply suggests lateness, which is acceptable.

    Runners Jack Canfield 2010

  • I wondered aloud if Lynn thought her lateness might be a way of feeling connected to her mom?

    SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life Julie Morgenstern 2008

  • I wondered aloud if Lynn thought her lateness might be a way of feeling connected to her mom?

    SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life Julie Morgenstern 2008

  • As she helped Minton ease Lord Thurstow from his sodden coat, she wondered whether Jack Lester had purposely arrived last for greatest effect-or whether his lateness was a reflection of reluctance.

    A Lady of Expectations Laurens, Stephanie 1995

  • As she helped Minton ease Lord Thurstow from his sodden coat, she wondered whether Jack Lester had purposely arrived last for greatest effect-or whether his lateness was a reflection of reluctance.

    A Lady of Expectations Laurens, Stephanie 1995

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