deadline
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdɛdlaɪn/
KK: /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/
noun
Definition
A specific time or date by which something must be completed or submitted.
Example
The project has a deadline of next Friday, so we need to work quickly.
Conversation
Have you finished your project yet?
Not yet, but I'm working hard to meet the deadline.
I totally understand, those can be really stressful.
Yeah, I just want to make sure I submit it on time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
due
limit
cutoff
Antonyms
extension
delay
indefiniteness
transitive verb
Definition
A specific time or date by which something must be completed or submitted.
Example
The project has a deadline of next Friday.
Tense Forms
Past: deadlined
Past Participle: deadlined
Conversation
Are you feeling stressed about the project we need to finish?
A little, especially with the deadline coming up next week.
Yeah, I know what you mean; I don’t want to be deadlined by it either.
Root Explanation
Deadline → The word is formed from "dead" (from Old English *dead*, meaning no longer living) and "line" (from Latin *linea*, meaning a line or string). The term originally referred to a line that one could not cross without facing dire consequences, hence the meaning of a final limit or cutoff point.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'line' that you cannot cross because it leads to being 'dead' — that's why a deadline is a final limit.
Visually Confused Words
headline
headliner
sealine
delaine
decline
decalin
dealing
adeline