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What's the word for someone who is always late?
The word you're looking for
Tardy is an adjective meaning someone who habitually arrives late or is slow to arrive at an appointment or event. It's the most direct and common English word to describe someone's characteristic of always being late.
Other words that fit
A direct synonym for 'not on time' or 'not punctual.' Use this in British English or when you want a more literal equivalent of 'not on time.'
A noun describing someone who habitually delays or postpones. Use when the lateness stems from putting off tasks, not just poor time management.
A formal adjective meaning tending to cause or involving delay. Use in formal writing, legal contexts, or when describing deliberate delays.
Why this word
Tardy is the most direct and common English word to describe someone who habitually arrives late. It's typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts, especially in schools and workplaces, though it can sound formal in casual conversation. The related noun 'tardiness' describes the quality or state of being late. A common mistake is confusing tardy with procrastinator, which refers more broadly to someone who delays tasks generally, not necessarily someone who arrives late to specific events. While tardy is neither rude nor judgmental, it simply describes the behavioral pattern objectively.
In context
- She has a reputation for being tardy to every appointment.
- The tardy student received a warning from the teacher.
- His tardy arrivals frustrated his entire team.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'tardy' formal or informal?
- Tardy is semi-formal. It's commonly used in school and workplace settings, but sounds a bit formal in casual everyday conversation. Many English speakers would simply say 'always late' in informal speech.
- What's the difference between 'tardy' and 'procrastinator'?
- Tardy describes arriving late to events or appointments. Procrastinator describes someone who delays doing tasks or responsibilities. A person can be tardy without being a procrastinator, and vice versa.
- Can I say 'He is a tardy person'?
- While grammatically possible, it sounds awkward. Better to say 'He is always tardy' or 'He tends to be tardy.' The noun form is 'tardiness' (the quality of being late).
- What's the noun form of tardy?
- The noun is 'tardiness,' which means the state or quality of being late. Example: 'His tardiness is a serious problem in the workplace.'