buffer time
Extra minutes allowed
Buffer time is extra time built into a schedule to absorb delays or unexpected events.
You might add buffer time between meetings in case one runs long, or leave buffer time before a flight to account for traffic.
The term comes from the protective function of buffers generally—cushioning against impact or overflow.
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
- marginEdge of a page
- slackAbsence of tautness
- leewayPermissible margin of freedom
- wiggle roomFlexibility to adjust
elbow room · padding · breathing room · spare · extra · allowance · gap · interval · pause · delay · waiting · grace period · transition · overlap · safety net · just in case · contingency · plan B
- timesecond, minute, hour, day, seconds
- productivityproductivity, checking off, prioritization, finishing, output
- train termsall aboard, engine, passenger car, derailed, suburban train
- delaysdelays, delay, delayed, postponement, postpone
- planningplan, planned, planners, to-do lists, calendars
- timingstopwatch, pause, early, countdown, late
temporal precision and pressure
buffer timetight deadline
Imminent due date
time crunch · running late · time pressure · last minute · down to the wire
buffer, time, buffers, buffered, buffering, times, timed, timing, timer