punctuality
gb/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/ us/pˌʌŋkt͡ʃuˈælɪti/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
property
1
habit of being on time
Punctuality means being on time.
Usage pattern:
punctuality (in [doing something]) | punctuality (of [someone])
Common mistake:
Do not confuse punctuality with punctuation. Also, punctual is an adjective; punctuality is a noun.
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.)
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
Themes
time
|daily_life
|work
|education
|social_life
Examples
- Punctuality is important in this job, especially for early meetings.
- Her punctuality impressed the interviewer.
- The teacher marked down students who showed a lack of punctuality.
Learner examples
- I try to improve my punctuality.
- Punctuality is important at work.
Noun
C1
property
2
reliability in keeping to schedule
Punctuality can also mean how often something runs on time.
Usage pattern:
punctuality of [service/system] | improve [service] punctuality
Common mistake:
Learners may use on time for both people and services; punctuality is more formal and common in reports (e.g., trains, flights).
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.)
Collocations
train punctuality
|flight punctuality
|bus punctuality
|service punctuality
|punctuality rates
|punctuality statistics
|a punctuality report
|improve punctuality
|punctuality targets
|punctuality performance
Themes
transport
|business
|time
Examples
- The rail operator published monthly data on punctuality.
- Airline punctuality improved after the schedule was adjusted.
- Passengers complained about the route’s poor punctuality during rush hour.
Learner examples
- The trains here have good punctuality.
- The airline reported higher punctuality this year.
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.
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.