chronically late

USAGE SUMMARY

"chronically late" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who is consistently late, whether for work, school, meetings, etc. Example: Jason is so chronically late that his manager has decided to put him on probation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in another, a charged conflict arises when a team member is chronically late completing projects.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Newark Airport has more than half of the chronically late flights.

The New York Times

Flaws in state law are partly to blame for New York's chronically late budgets.

The New York Times

"We were the only textbook that incorporated the financial crisis, as we were chronically late.

The New Yorker

Bob was chronically late to work, when he showed up at all.

The Washington Post

At one point, she hired a sitter who turned out to be chronically late.

The New Yorker

He is perennially optimistic about the time anything will take, which makes him chronically late.

The New York Times

Imagine an associate who misses deadlines and is chronically late for client meetings but is otherwise a high performer.

Harvard Business Review

An independent budget office or the comptroller should set revenues and speed up a chronically late state budget.

The New York Times

How long should we wait for my (chronically late) father before giving up and starting without him?

The Guardian - Opinion

In some ways, lawmakers are reaching back to the past for a solution to the chronically late budgets in Albany.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "chronically late", provide specific examples to illustrate the extent of their tardiness. This adds credibility and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone who is "chronically late" is simply inconsiderate. There may be underlying issues such as poor time management skills, anxiety, or an unrealistic perception of time. Addressing these issues directly can be more effective than mere reprimands.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chronically late" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective, describing a state of habitual tardiness. As noted by Ludwig, it is a valid and usable phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in describing individuals, flights, and even budgets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chronically late" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a persistent pattern of tardiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, from describing individuals to systemic issues. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, and while generally neutral, it often carries a negative connotation. When using "chronically late", consider the underlying reasons for the tardiness and strive to address the issue constructively. Alternatives like "perpetually tardy" or "habitually unpunctual" may suit more formal contexts. Finally, remember to provide specific examples to support your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Perpetually tardy

A more formal way to express habitual lateness.

Habitually unpunctual

Highlights the habitual aspect of not being on time.

Always running behind

Focuses on the continuous state of being late.

Consistently behind schedule

Emphasizes the routine nature of being late based on scheduled times.

Routinely delayed

Focuses on the regular occurrence of delays.

Invariably delayed

Focuses on consistent delays.

Tardy on a regular basis

Highlights the regularity of being tardy.

Frequently delayed

Focuses on the high frequency of delays.

Never on time

A straightforward expression of habitual lateness.

Often behind

A simpler way of stating that someone is frequently late.

FAQs

How can I use "chronically late" in a sentence?

You can use "chronically late" to describe someone who is consistently tardy. For example, "He is "chronically late" for meetings, which disrupts the team's workflow."

What are some alternative ways to say "chronically late"?

Alternatives include "perpetually tardy", "habitually unpunctual", or "always running behind".

Is it appropriate to use "chronically late" in a formal context?

Yes, "chronically late" can be used in formal contexts, such as performance reviews or professional correspondence, to objectively describe a recurring issue. However, it's important to maintain a respectful and constructive tone.

What's the difference between "chronically late" and "sometimes late"?

"Chronically late" implies a persistent pattern of tardiness, while "sometimes late" suggests occasional lateness. The former indicates a more significant and ongoing problem.