punctual
gb/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/ us/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
B1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
arriving exactly on time
If you are punctual, you are on time.
Usage pattern:
be punctual (for [something]); punctual in doing [something]
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse punctual (on time) with punctuate (add punctuation).
Synonyms
on time (Direct, very common equivalent in everyday speech.)
|
prompt (Often suggests quick action as well as being on time.)
Antonyms
late (Not arriving or happening at the expected time.)
|
tardy (More formal or school/work-related word for late.)
Collocations
be punctual
|always punctual
|rarely punctual
|punctual employee
|punctual student
|punctual person
|punctual arrival
|punctual attendance
|punctual in paying
|punctual in replying
Themes
daily_life
|work
|time_management
|education
Examples
- Please be punctual for the interview.
- She’s always punctual, even when the weather is bad.
- Our teacher expects everyone to be punctual.
Learner examples
- He is punctual.
- Be punctual for class.
adjective
B2
property
2
happening exactly as scheduled
If something is punctual, it happens on time.
Usage pattern:
punctual [service/event/start]; punctual at [time]
Common mistake:
For trains/meetings, use punctual (adjective) or punctually (adverb), not 'punctuality' unless talking about the quality in general.
Synonyms
on schedule (Often used for services and plans rather than people.)
|
timely (Emphasizes being at a suitable time, not necessarily exact.)
Antonyms
delayed (Not happening at the planned time because of a wait.)
|
late (Happening after the expected time.)
Collocations
punctual service
|punctual train
|punctual bus
|punctual flight
|punctual start
|punctual delivery
|punctual payment
|punctual schedule
|punctual performance
|punctual departure
Themes
transportation
|business
|time_management
Examples
- The train was punctual today, which was a nice surprise.
- They’re known for punctual deliveries.
- The meeting had a punctual start at 9:00.
Learner examples
- The bus was punctual today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
punctual
IPA
GB/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
US/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl/
Syllables & stress
punc - tu - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (punc)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: punctual
Word family
Core family
punctuality
noun B2
punctually
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
unpunctual
adjective
Expressions
as punctual as clockwork
1/ˈæz pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl ˈæz klˈɑkwˌɚk/
fixed phrase
extremely punctual and regular
Always on time, like a clock.
Examples
- Her morning routine is as punctual as clockwork.
- The 7:15 bus is as punctual as clockwork in this town.
punctual to a fault
1/pˈʌŋkt͡ʃuəl tə ə fˈɔlt/
fixed phrase
so punctual it causes problems
Always on time, even when it is not helpful.
Examples
- He’s punctual to a fault, so he gets annoyed if anyone is even a minute late.
- She’s punctual to a fault and will leave without you if you’re not ready.