punctuality
gb/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/ us/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/
B2
English
pontosság, menetrendszerűség
NOUN
B2
1
pontosság
B1
Usage pattern:
punctuality (in [doing something]) | punctuality (of [someone])
Punctuality is important in this job, especially for early meetings.
Ebben a munkában fontos a pontosság, különösen a korai megbeszélések miatt.
Her punctuality impressed the interviewer.
A pontossága nagy hatást tett az interjúztatóra.
The teacher marked down students who showed a lack of punctuality.
Learner examples
I try to improve my punctuality.
Igyekszem javítani a pontosságomon.
Punctuality is important at work.
A munkahelyen fontos a pontosság.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse punctuality with punctuation. Also, punctual is an adjective; punctuality is a noun.
Meaning
habit of being on time
Collocations
strict punctuality
|perfect punctuality
|poor punctuality
|punctuality at work
|punctuality in class
|punctuality matters
|value punctuality
|emphasize punctuality
|lack of punctuality
|a reputation for punctuality
Synonyms
timeliness (Often focuses on doing something at an appropriate time, not only arriving on time.)
|
on-time arrival (More specific to arriving at a scheduled time.)
Antonyms
lateness (The state of being late.)
|
tardiness (More formal; often used about people arriving late.)
Themes
time
|daily_life
|work
|education
|social_life
Definition
Punctuality means being on time.
The habit or quality of arriving, starting, or happening at the planned time; being on time.
NOUN
C1
2
pontosság
B2
Usage pattern:
punctuality of [service/system] | improve [service] punctuality
The rail operator published monthly data on punctuality.
A vasúttársaság havi adatokat tett közzé a pontosságról.
Airline punctuality improved after the schedule was adjusted.
A légitársaság pontossága javult a menetrend módosítása után.
Passengers complained about the route’s poor punctuality during rush hour.
Learner examples
The trains here have good punctuality.
Az itteni vonatok általában pontosak.
The airline reported higher punctuality this year.
A légitársaság szerint idén javult a pontosság.
Common mistake:
Learners may use on time for both people and services; punctuality is more formal and common in reports (e.g., trains, flights).
Meaning
reliability in keeping to schedule
Collocations
train punctuality
|flight punctuality
|bus punctuality
|service punctuality
|punctuality rates
|punctuality statistics
|a punctuality report
|improve punctuality
|punctuality targets
|punctuality performance
Synonyms
reliability (Broader; includes quality and dependability beyond timing.)
|
on-time performance (Common in transport/operations; focuses on meeting scheduled times.)
Antonyms
delays (Repeated late arrivals or late running.)
|
unreliability (Broader opposite; not dependable, including poor timekeeping.)
Themes
transport
|business
|time
Definition
Punctuality can also mean how often something runs on time.
The degree to which a service, system, or process keeps to its stated timetable or expected times.
Grammar
Dictionary form
punctuality
IPA
GB/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/
US/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/
Syllables & stress
punc - tu - al - ity (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (al)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: punctuality
- Plural: punctuality
Word family
Core family
punctual
adjective B1
punctually
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unpunctual
adjective
lateness
noun
Expressions
punctuality is a virtue
1/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti ˈɪz ə vˈɚt͡ʃu/
fixed phrase
being on time is good
It is good to be on time.
Examples
- Punctuality is a virtue, especially when other people are waiting.
- He learned quickly that punctuality is a virtue in this office.
Learner examples
- Punctuality is a virtue.
- My coach says punctuality is a virtue.
punctuality is the politeness of princes
1/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti ˈɪz ðə pəlˈaɪtnəs əv pɹˈɪnsɪz/
fixed phrase
literary
being on time shows respect
Being on time is a way to show respect.
Examples
- In her welcome speech, she quoted, “Punctuality is the politeness of princes.”
- He joked, “Punctuality is the politeness of princes,” as he arrived exactly at noon.
punctuality is the soul of business
1/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti ˈɪz ðə sˈoʊl əv bˈɪznɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
being on time helps business
Being on time is very important in business.
Examples
- My manager often says, “Punctuality is the soul of business,” when we have client meetings.
- In consulting, punctuality is the soul of business—late starts cost money.