waiting time

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to the time period of waiting for something, often an event or outcome. For example, "The waiting time for the results of the election was incredibly stressful."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Where's the agonising waiting time?

Independent

This is your waiting time.

The New York Times

HESA has two primary objectives: minimizing examinee waiting time and minimizing doctor waiting time.

European Journal of Operational Research

Mean observed waiting time and model-based waiting time of 90% of pedestrians were then studied.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Build in plenty of waiting time.

The New York Times - Travel

This spring, the waiting time grew.

The New York Times

possible waiting time Headway Min.

Urban Rail Transit

Worst: The waiting time for an agent.

Forbes

a Rating and b waiting time.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

A reply waiting time is set up.

Computational Social Networks

Fig. 6 The average waiting time.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing services or processes, be specific about what factors influence the "waiting time". Consider including average, minimum, and maximum times to provide a comprehensive picture.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting time" when you actually mean "lead time". "Waiting time" refers to the duration of inactivity while awaiting something. "Lead time", on the other hand, includes the entire duration from initiation to completion of a process, including preparation and active phases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting time" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes the duration someone or something is kept in a state of anticipation before an event occurs or a service is rendered. As seen in Ludwig AI, it's often used in discussions about efficiency, customer service, and healthcare.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting time" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the duration of a delay. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in scientific, news, and business contexts, often serving to assess efficiency and customer experience. While seemingly straightforward, appropriate usage requires considering context to differentiate it from related terms like "lead time". Effective communication entails being specific about factors affecting "waiting time" and providing options to mitigate negative perceptions. Therefore, users can confidently incorporate the phrase in their writing, with attention to the related guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait time

Slightly more concise and informal, often used interchangeably with "waiting time".

waiting period

A more formal alternative, often used in legal or official contexts.

delay time

Emphasizes the postponement or holding back of something, implying a negative connotation.

standby time

Refers to a period of readiness or availability, often in a professional or technical context.

queueing time

Specifically refers to the time spent in a queue or line, awaiting service.

time in queue

Similar to "queueing time", but slightly more explicit about being part of a queue.

anticipation time

Highlights the mental state of expecting something, adding an emotional dimension.

time on hold

Specifically refers to the duration spent waiting while a phone call is on hold.

withdrawal period

Often used in medical or pharmaceutical contexts, referring to the time needed for a substance to leave the system.

deferral time

Implies a formal postponement or yielding to a later date.

FAQs

How can I reduce the "waiting time" in my business?

Analyze your processes to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and consider implementing queuing systems or appointment scheduling to minimize customer "waiting time".

What factors influence the perceived length of a "waiting time"?

Factors include the level of distraction, information about the delay, perceived fairness, and the value of the expected outcome. Keeping customers informed and engaged can mitigate negative perceptions of "waiting time".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "waiting time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "wait time", "delay time", or "standby time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "waiting time" and "waiting period"?

"Waiting time" is a general term for the duration spent waiting. "Waiting period" often refers to a specific, predetermined time one must wait before being eligible for something, such as insurance benefits or a promotion.