late delivery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "late delivery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where something, such as a package or service, is not delivered on time. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that there will be a late delivery of your order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She may have been wincing about the late delivery of a piece of copy.

The Guardian - Books

The Clintons themselves are largely responsible for the late delivery of Mr. Ray's statement.

The New York Times

Over the past six years or so, I've only had one significantly late delivery.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But despite its late delivery, Mandelson's announcement is a step in the right direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

The launch had been set for September, but late delivery from the manufacturer delayed it.

Independent

Her narrator even toys with the idea that her son's late delivery signified his sullen disgust for life.

The Guardian - Books

What impact does the landlord's late delivery of the lease have on my rent increase?... William Leeds, Manhattan.

The New York Times

Some observers suspected it was to keep people from publicly griping about the late delivery of voting materials.

The Guardian

"Cafe car late in opening -- not until Providence due to late delivery of supplies," his notes say.

The New York Times - Travel

Today's redress package sends a clear message to the energy industry that late delivery of obligations is unacceptable".

The Guardian - Business

A late delivery, say at 3 p.m., as was the case in Bordentown, N.J., was a disaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or contractual contexts, clearly define what constitutes a "late delivery" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on the "late delivery" without investigating and addressing the underlying reasons for the delay. Identify and resolve the issues in your logistics or supply chain to prevent future occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late delivery" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the event or instance of something not being delivered on time. As shown by Ludwig, it's a common expression across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "late delivery" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes the failure to deliver something on time. As Ludwig's analysis and various examples indicate, this phrase is frequently used in news, business, and scientific contexts to discuss delays, their consequences, and potential solutions. The frequency of its usage underscores its importance in both formal and informal communication. When writing about "late delivery", consider being specific about the cause, consequences and the best alternatives. Overall, "late delivery" is a clear and effective way to communicate issues related to untimely deliveries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delayed shipment

Focuses specifically on shipments and their tardiness.

overdue shipment

Highlights that the shipment is past its expected delivery date.

past-due delivery

Similar to overdue, stressing the passing of the original deadline.

tardy arrival

Emphasizes the lateness of an arrival, which can apply to various contexts beyond deliveries.

behind schedule delivery

Emphasizes the fact that the delivery is lagging in the overall timeline.

delayed arrival

A more general term for something arriving later than expected.

untimely delivery

Indicates the delivery was not just late, but also inconvenient or inappropriate for the situation.

postponed delivery

Suggests that the delivery was intentionally rescheduled to a later time.

deferred shipment

Similar to postponed but more formal, often used in business contexts.

non-compliant delivery

Delivery didn't adhere to an expected timeframe.

FAQs

What are the consequences of a "late delivery"?

A "late delivery" can lead to customer dissatisfaction, financial penalties, damaged reputation, and potential loss of future business. The severity depends on the specific context and contract terms.

What can I do to prevent a "late delivery"?

To avoid a "late delivery", implement robust supply chain management, maintain clear communication with suppliers and customers, use reliable logistics providers, and have contingency plans for unexpected disruptions.

What's the difference between "delayed delivery" and "late delivery"?

While similar, "delayed delivery" often implies a temporary setback, while "late delivery" can suggest a more significant failure to meet the original deadline. The terms are often used interchangeably.

Are there legal implications for a "late delivery"?

Yes, especially in contractual agreements. Contracts often specify penalties or remedies for a "late delivery", such as reduced payment, compensation for damages, or even termination of the contract.