run late

Lag behind schedule

Run late means to be behind schedule, falling short of an expected time.

Someone who runs late arrives after an appointment or deadline: I'm running late—start without me.

Traffic, obligations, or events can all run late.

The phrase implies ongoing delay rather than a single missed moment.

Related

hit snooze · lost track of time · timekeeping · time management · deadlines · tight schedule · forgetfulness · punctuality · procrastination · last minute · technical difficulties · distractions · scheduling · frustration · reminders · miscommunication · bad timing · embarrassment

Opposites
timeliness

run lateahead of schedule

Before the planned time

make good time · beat the clock

pacing/temporal management

run laterun ahead

Proceed before others

keep pace · stay on track

Family

run, late, runs, running, runner, runners, runny, overrun, rerun

Familiarity
Top 10,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G