be late
Arrive past schedule
To be late is to arrive or occur after the expected or scheduled time: Sorry I'm late—traffic was terrible.
It can also mean to be overdue: My period is late.
The phrase often implies fault or apology, unlike simply arriving at a particular time.
To be late for something suggests missing part of it: We were late for the movie.
Arriving past due
- behind scheduleNot on time
- overduePast expected arrival
- delayedMade to wait longer
- detainedHeld against one's will
held up · unpunctual · lagging · behind time · missed · postponed · deferred · stalled
Movement along routes
- accidentUnintended harmful event
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- oversleepSlumber too long
- delayEnforced waiting period
breakdown · weather · congestion · detour · roadwork · flat tire · missed connection · public transit
Time limit for completion
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- pressureForce upon contact
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- crunch timeHigh-pressure final stretch
running out of time · clock ticking · looming · imminent · critical · pressed for time · against the clock · tight schedule
Move with urgency
- scrambleMix into disorder
- dashQuick burst or pinch
- raceCompetition of speed
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
hasten · rush · hustle · bolt · scurry · speed · panic · frenzy
Failed scheduled meeting
- missed flightFailed to board departure
- missed deadlineFailing to submit on time
- troubleDifficulty or distress
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
written up · detention · left behind · locked out · missed opportunity · wait-listed · rescheduled · apology
tardy
Arriving past due
- behind scheduleNot on time
- overduePast expected arrival
- delayedMade to wait longer
detained · held up · unpunctual · lagging · behind time · missed · postponed · deferred · stalled · slowed
traffic
Movement along routes
delay · breakdown · weather · congestion · detour · roadwork · flat tire · missed connection · public transit · snooze button
deadline
Time limit for completion
- time-sensitiveRequiring prompt action
- pressureForce upon contact
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
crunch time · running out of time · clock ticking · looming · imminent · critical · pressed for time · against the clock · tight schedule · time crunch
hurry
Move with urgency
sprint · hasten · rush · hustle · bolt · scurry · speed · panic · frenzy · last-minute
missed appointment
Failed scheduled meeting
- missed flightFailed to board departure
- missed deadlineFailing to submit on time
- troubleDifficulty or distress
reprimand · written up · detention · left behind · locked out · missed opportunity · wait-listed · rescheduled · apology · excuse