punctuality

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "punctuality" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is always prompt and on time. For example, "John is known for his punctuality; he is always at work by 8am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The East Coast franchise – which returned to the public sector after two private operators walked away – has since done well in terms of passenger satisfaction and punctuality.

The Guardian

Part of the cost of funding the upgrade is expected to be drawn from a multimillion-pound penalty imposed on Network Rail for missing punctuality targets, which will be announced on Monday.

The Guardian

It added: "Wizz Air operates 28 routes from Luton and its punctuality of 88% on all Luton flights in November 2013 compares to 87% punctuality of all airlines at the same airport".

The Guardian - Money

Ceaseless activity went with excessive punctuality.

The Guardian

Gone is the interminable waiting around for the late-night rants of Fidel Castro: punctuality is one of the hallmarks of the government led since 2006 by his younger brother, Raúl.

The Economist

President Ramos recognised that to be truly Asian and Confucian you have to show you know that time is money and punctuality matters.

The Economist

Whether such punctuality has been bought at the expense of scientific effectiveness remains to be seen.

The Economist

And none of the four airlines score particularly well when it comes to punctuality, arguably the most important criterion on which airlines are judged.

The Economist

They were also held to higher performance and punctuality standards if they were hired.This is the so-called "maternal wall" that makes leaning in such a challenge for working mothers.

The Economist

Safety continues to improve, and even punctuality is up.

The Economist

A stickler for punctuality, Mr Correa arrived two hours late for the inauguration because his helicopter couldn't make it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "punctuality" in contrast to alternatives to clarify your meaning. For example, "While efficiency is valued, "punctuality" is essential for maintaining client trust."

Common error

Avoid prioritizing "punctuality" to the extent that it compromises the quality of work or service. Ensure that deadlines are realistic and that sufficient time is allocated for thoroughness and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The noun "punctuality" functions primarily as a subject or object in a sentence. It denotes the quality of being on time and is often used to emphasize the importance of adhering to schedules. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "punctuality" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun that signifies the importance of being on time. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage. It is employed across various contexts, with a notable presence in news, business, and scientific domains. While it's crucial to value "punctuality", it shouldn't overshadow the importance of quality and thoroughness. Alternatives like "timeliness" or "promptness" can be used to add variety to your writing. Understanding its proper usage and avoiding common pitfalls will enhance your communication and ensure that you convey the intended message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being on time

This alternative is a simple and direct way of expressing the concept of not being late.

timeliness

This noun is a direct synonym emphasizing the importance of doing things at the right time.

being punctual

Verbal phrase directly related to the noun form "punctuality".

promptness

This noun highlights the quality of acting or arriving without delay.

adherence to schedule

This phrase focuses on the act of following a set timetable or plan closely.

respect for deadlines

This alternative emphasizes the importance of meeting agreed-upon completion dates.

keeping appointments

This phrase specifically refers to attending scheduled meetings or engagements as planned.

meeting deadlines

Focuses on successfully completing tasks within the allocated time.

observance of time

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing respect for the value of time.

on-time performance

This alternative is often used in business or technical contexts to measure efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "punctuality" in a sentence?

"Punctuality" is key to success in this role, as meetings start promptly and deadlines must be met. Alternatively, one could say '"being on time"' is key to success.

What can I say instead of "punctuality"?

Alternatives include '"timeliness"', '"promptness"', or '"adherence to schedule"' depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "punctuality" and "efficiency"?

"Punctuality" refers to being on time, while efficiency refers to the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time in doing something or in producing a desired result. You may also be interested in the alternative phrase '"on-time performance"'.

What are some antonyms for "punctuality"?

Antonyms for "punctuality" include lateness, tardiness, and delay. The opposite of "punctuality" is "being late".