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Definitions

lead time

[leed] / lid /
NOUN
preparation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrangement construction education establishment formation groundwork measure plan precaution preparedness qualification rehearsal study training
STRONG
alertness anticipation background base basis evolution expectation fitting foresight foundation gestation homework incubation manufacture provision readying rundown safeguard schoolwork substructure tryout workout
WEAK
buildup dry run getting ready making ready preparing putting in order
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance
WEAK
ingredient unreadiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He says he’s wary about his Somali clients getting a fair hearing, given the volume of cases that have been rescheduled and the abbreviated lead time for hearings.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

And then this, and then that, whatever—I think, at the time, we had a 14-week lead time on artworks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

“Our tracking shows continued shortening in lead time in all models and markets, with only a few exceptions,” he wrote on Monday.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 29, 2025

At Southwest Airlines, lead time can be eight to 10 months.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

I estimate the lead time on the hoverplanes and let my arrow fly.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins