tardiness

Everyday

1. (formal) Tardiness is being late, especially arriving late to school, work or a meeting. tree →
2. Tardiness can mean being slow to do something. tree →

In the lessons

In school, especially in the USA and Canada, «tardiness» is used for arriving late; there may be rules and «tardy slips». Teachers' reports may mention tardiness. In stories, it describes a character who is always late. Phrases: «tardiness policy», «excuse for tardiness».

Examples

• The school sent a letter home about my tardiness. tree →
• Tardiness means missing the start of lessons. tree →
• Her tardiness made the whole team wait. tree →
• The teacher said tardiness must improve this term. tree →
• Traffic is no excuse for tardiness every day. tree →
• The coach does not accept tardiness at practice. tree →

Note

Formal; uncountable. Everyday words: «lateness», «being late». From «tardy» + -ness (y changes to i).