Definition

The condition of not being on time or being late.

Example

Her unpunctuality caused her to miss the beginning of the meeting.

Conversation

Have you noticed how his unpunctuality is becoming a real issue?

Yeah, it's frustrating when we have to wait for him all the time.

I wonder if he even realizes how much it affects everyone.

I doubt it; he seems to think it's not a big deal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unpunctuality → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "punctual" (from Latin "punctualis", meaning pertaining to a point in time), and "-ity" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "unpunctuality" refers to the state of not being on time or being late.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being 'on time' ('punctual') — that's why unpunctuality means the state of being late.

Visually Confused Words