Search Dictionary
Definition of tardy

tardy

/ˈtɑːr.di/
tar · dy
Adverb:tardily
•
Plural:tardies
JUMP TO:

tardy Lexical Profile

tardy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Delaying or delayed beyond the expected or proper time; arriving or occurring late.

Example

"Students who are tardy to class three times in a semester will receive a detention."

2

Moving or acting slowly; sluggish.

Example

"The committee's tardy response to the safety audit drew criticism from the board."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tardy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tardy

• noun

1

American An instance of arriving late, especially as recorded on a student's school attendance record.

Example

"He had two unexcused absences and three tardies on his report card this quarter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tardy

• Rhymes for tardy

• Nearby Words

tardigrade
tardily
tardiness
tardy
tare
target
targetable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French tardif ('slow, late'), which derives from Latin tardus ('slow, sluggish, late').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tardy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tardy
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.