not punctual

USAGE SUMMARY

'not punctual' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who does not arrive or finish something at the expected or agreed upon time. For example: "Samantha is usually very reliable but recently she has become very not punctual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Analysis show most women feel insecure when the bus is not punctual, service quality is low, and when less information provided regards to the bus service.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

The problem is that if salaried employees are not punctual, but expect their hourly workers to be on time, there is the appearance of a double standard, Mr. Faulkner said.

The New York Times

Rudybahias in Tehuacan finds the New York subway "dirty, old and not punctual," while Onno Frowein in Yerevan doesn't mind it being "fast, noisy and a reflection of the life in the city".

The New York Times

Because the fluorescent emitting source in the experiments is not punctual, we have started simulations to estimate the flux collected with a 0.5-μm radius capillary positioned at a WD of 1 mm.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness--is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example.

Huffington Post

And the doctors are not punctual.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"What I think, lady," he said, "this guy just ain't punctual".

The New Yorker

"It was an unfortunate experience in that they weren't punctual in their payments at times," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Before their meeting, Kaufman watched a video clip in which Barbara Walters talked about how Fonda got annoyed when people weren't punctual.

The New Yorker

On Friday night at the Armory, Jacobs silenced those critics (some of whom weren't punctual enough to make the performance) by starting his autumn/winter show almost on time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I pray David Kay is not the punctual type.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "not punctual", provide specific examples or context to illustrate the extent and impact of their lateness. This adds credibility and clarifies your point.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "not punctual" implies a lack of respect or professionalism in all situations. Cultural differences and individual circumstances can influence timeliness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not punctual" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a lack of timeliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show it describing buses, doctors, and even data.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

54%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not punctual" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe a lack of timeliness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as an adjective phrase and is found in various contexts, most frequently in scientific and news-related articles. While a neutral term, it often conveys a negative sentiment regarding the failure to adhere to schedules. Remember to provide context and avoid overgeneralizations when using this phrase. Alternative phrases, like unpunctual or "habitually late", can provide different nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpunctual

A more formal, single-word synonym for "not punctual".

not on time

A more direct and simpler way of saying someone is not punctual.

tends to be late

Indicates a propensity or inclination towards lateness.

chronically tardy

Emphasizes a long-term or habitual lateness.

habitually late

Emphasizes a repeated pattern of lateness.

always behind schedule

Describes being consistently delayed or lagging.

unreliable with time

Focuses on the unreliability aspect rather than specifically punctuality.

cannot be relied upon to be on time

Highlights the lack of dependability regarding timeliness.

poor timekeeper

Highlights the inability to manage time effectively.

lax about deadlines

Focuses on the disregard for meeting deadlines.

FAQs

How can I use "not punctual" in a sentence?

You can use "not punctual" to describe someone who is frequently late or doesn't adhere to schedules. For example: "The bus service is "not punctual", causing many delays."

What's a more formal way to say "not punctual"?

A more formal alternative to "not punctual" is "unpunctual". It carries the same meaning but is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

What are some common reasons for someone being "not punctual"?

Reasons can vary widely, including poor time management, unexpected delays, cultural differences, or a general disregard for schedules. However, remember to assess the situation before reaching to a conclusion about the reasons of being "not punctual".

Is it rude to describe someone as "not punctual"?

It depends on the context and your tone. It's generally more polite to focus on the impact of their lateness rather than directly labeling them as ""not punctual"". For example, "Their lateness caused a significant delay."