missed deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

"missed deadline" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a situation where a specific deadline or due date was not met. Example: The project was delayed due to a missed deadline for the submission of crucial documents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A missed deadline is a feared thing.

The New Yorker

Each side blames the other over the missed deadline.

Independent

The Japanese Foreign Ministry called the missed deadline "unfortunate".

The New York Times

That's why we included international emissions trading".And this week's missed deadline?

The Economist

Sept. 13 came and went as another missed deadline in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian peace effort.

The New York Times

The missed deadline caused California to start issuing i.o.u.'s to vendors and tax payers.

The New York Times

The missed deadline was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The New York Times

In Washington and other capitals the response to the missed deadline has been one of mild rebuke.

The Economist

Among other things, he said, "the state contributed to the missed deadline" and "a man's life is at stake".

The New York Times

Critics of the authority say that the missed deadline should have been a surprise to no one.

The New York Times

Since the consequences of a missed deadline on the debt limit would potentially be much worse, this bodes ill for administration resolve in the clinch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid confusion, use "missed deadline" when referring to a specific, predetermined date. For ongoing tasks, consider using phrases like 'behind schedule' or 'off track'.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures responsibility for the "missed deadline". Instead of saying 'The deadline was missed', specify who missed it and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "missed deadline" functions primarily as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying another noun. It describes a specific instance where a deadline was not met. As Ludwig shows, it often precedes nouns like 'caused', 'was', or appears in contexts discussing consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "missed deadline" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where a deadline has not been met. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly identify the original deadline and the reasons for its failure. Avoid passive voice to ensure accountability. Related phrases include "deadline overrun" and "failure to meet the deadline". By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate about "missed deadline" situations in a clear and professional manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deadline overrun

Focuses on the fact that the deadline was exceeded.

failure to meet the deadline

Highlights the failure aspect more explicitly.

past the due date

Emphasizes that the expected date has passed.

deadline lapse

Suggests a more passive or unintentional failure.

non-compliance with the deadline

Introduces a formal or regulatory overtone.

late submission

Focuses on the action of submitting something after the deadline.

untimely delivery

Highlights that a submission or delivery occurred after the agreed-upon timeframe.

beyond the cutoff

Implies a firm and unyielding limit that was surpassed.

default on deadline

Conveys a sense of failing to fulfill an obligation.

time overrun

Broadly references that something took longer than scheduled

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "missed deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "missed deadline" to describe a situation where a task or project was not completed by the agreed-upon time. For example: "The project was delayed due to a "missed deadline" for the initial research phase."

What are some alternatives to saying "missed deadline"?

Alternatives include "deadline overrun", "failure to meet the deadline", or "late submission", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a deadline was missed"?

Yes, "a deadline was missed" is grammatically correct, but it's often more effective to use the active voice to clarify who or what was responsible for the "missed deadline". For example, instead of "The deadline was missed", try "The team missed the deadline."

What are the consequences of a "missed deadline"?

The consequences of a "missed deadline" can vary depending on the context, but they often include project delays, financial penalties, damaged reputation, and strained relationships with clients or stakeholders.