critical delay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "critical delay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or crucial delay in a process, event, or timeline that may have serious implications. Example: "The project faced a critical delay due to unforeseen circumstances, which jeopardized the entire timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"That critical delay sealed the fate of the children," Mr. Parrilla said.

The New York Times

After that critical delay, Princeton turned immediately to the crowded list of academic needs backed up in its wake.

Princeton University

The technique reduces the critical delay of the ITA architecture without increasing the clock cycle requirement.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

But Centcom said on Tuesday that the Russians made a "critical delay" before informing the US of the mistake, waiting 27 minutes for a "familiar US counterpart" to be reached.

The Guardian

Palestinian officials, citing a lawyer who visited Abu Hamdiya, said he had complained of throat pain since August 2012 but that inadequate treatment had led to a critical delay in the diagnosis.

The Washington Post

Some seismometers are unable to send data for a few seconds after detecting a rumble, which is a critical delay when warning times are measured in the 10s of seconds.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

An absence of basic medicines and critical delays in getting him off the island reportedly contributed to his death.

The Guardian

After critical delays in care and in moving him to a hospital off the island, he died in Brisbane.

The Guardian

American and Iraqi officials said that the loss of so much money and time caused critical delays in the development of the Iraqi Army.

The New York Times

Complicated births, therefore, are usually referred to hospitals a process that can cause critical delays in treatment for which drones have no answer.

MIT Technology Review

The determination of the amount of these costs is based on the results from the delay analysis and the determination of liability once the critical delays are identified.

Construction Delays Understanding Them Clearly, Analyzing Them Correctly

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "critical delay", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the severity and impact of the delay. Using more descriptive language can help to set the proper tone and urgency.

Common error

Avoid overusing "critical delay" for minor setbacks. Reserve it for situations where the delay has significant consequences on timelines, budgets, or outcomes. Using it too casually can diminish its impact when describing truly serious delays.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "critical delay" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "critical" modifies the noun "delay". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a situation where a delay is of utmost importance and consequence. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "critical delay" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes a delay with significant consequences. Ludwig AI analysis, along with real-world examples, shows that it's applicable across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While versatile, it is essential to reserve it for truly significant delays to avoid diluting its impact. Remember, context is crucial when choosing to use "critical delay" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant postponement

Emphasizes the importance of the delay, suggesting it has notable consequences.

major setback

Highlights the negative impact of the delay on progress or goals.

crucial holdup

Replaces 'delay' with 'holdup', stressing the vital nature of avoiding the delay.

severe impediment

Indicates that the delay is a significant obstacle.

vital lag

Uses 'lag' to mean delay, emphasizing its essential role in a process.

key deferment

Focuses on the action of delaying something important.

essential waiting period

Highlights that the delay is a necessary amount of waiting time, and it's essential.

paramount interruption

Indicates that the delay is a paramount interruption that must be resolved.

urgent deceleration

Emphasizes the importance of delay and a slowdown in action.

time-sensitive hiatus

Suggests that the delay is an interruption of activity, the effect is time-sensitive.

FAQs

How can I use "critical delay" in a sentence?

You can use "critical delay" to describe a delay that has a significant and negative impact on a project, process, or situation. For example: "The project experienced a "critical delay" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "critical delay"?

Some alternatives include "significant postponement", "major setback", or "crucial holdup", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a delay "critical"?

A delay becomes "critical" when it threatens the success, timeline, or budget of a project, or when it poses a risk to safety, security, or other important factors. It signifies that the delay has serious consequences.

Is it appropriate to use "critical delay" in informal writing?

While "critical delay" is acceptable in formal and informal writing, its impact is greatest in more formal contexts where precision and seriousness are important. In informal settings, you might opt for simpler phrases like "big delay" or "major setback".