delayed response
Answer after pause
A delayed response is an answer or reaction that comes after a noticeable interval rather than immediately.
The phrase often carries a note of apology or explanation: Sorry for the delayed response—I was traveling.
In technical contexts, it can describe system latency or communication lag.
The delay may be intentional, as when someone needs time to think, or unintentional, as when a message gets buried.
- lagPeriod of falling behind
- time lagPause between connected events
- latencyDelay in system response
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- hesitationDelay from uncertainty
wait · on hold · holding pattern · buffer · timeout · slow · pending · loading · silence · left on read · awkward · reply · reaction · procrastination · backlog · radio silence · queue · overdue
- avoidanceavoidance, distancing, evasion, dodging, pulling away
- timing problemslag, timeout, late arrival, late start, missed deadline
- fatigue symptomsexhaustion, tiredness, drowsiness, sleepiness, yawning
- passive aggressionsilent treatment, backhanded compliments, backhanded compliment, cold shoulder, eye rolling
- Strategic Mistakesmiscalculation, overconfidence, underestimation, poor timing, overextension
- being ignoredghosting, unread messages, no reply, silence, cold shoulder
delayed responserapid response
Fast action to emergencies
instantaneous reaction · knee-jerk reaction · quick reply · automatic response
delayed responsereal-time communication
Interaction without transmission delay
delay, delayed, delays, delaying, response, responses, respond, responds, responded