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Definition of tardiness

tardiness

/ˈtɑːr.di.nəs/
tar · di · ness
Adverb:tardily
•
Adjective:tardy
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tardiness Lexical Profile

tardiness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or fact of being late; failure to arrive or happen at the scheduled or expected time.

Example

"Repeated tardiness can negatively affect a student's academic record and standing."

2

Slowness or sluggishness in moving, acting, or responding.

Example

"The committee was criticized for its tardiness in addressing the urgent environmental concerns."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for tardiness

• Nearby Words

tarcoles
tardigrade
tardily
tardiness
tardy
tare
target

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'tardy' (via Old French tardif, from Latin tardus, meaning 'slow' or 'sluggish') combined with the Old English suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tardiness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tardiness
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