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Definitions

tardy

[tahr-dee] / ˈtɑr di /
ADJECTIVE
late
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belated delayed delinquent overdue sluggish
WEAK
backward behindhand dawdling detained dilatory held up hung up in a bind jammed laggard loitering not arrived not done procrastinating slack slow strapped for time too late unpunctual
Antonyms
STRONGEST
early
WEAK
on time prompt punctual ready

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.

In “Back to the Future,” Tolkan portrayed Vice Principal Gerald Strickland, who surveyed the school’s halls with a whistle around his neck and a tardy slip burning a hole in his pocket.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

She told her teachers that she was still going to be tardy, and besides, she liked the exercise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

The latest, if tardy, look at the labor market wasn’t so bad at first glance.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 20, 2025

The idea is to accommodate slow play after more than a quarter of PGA Tour events were unable to complete a round before darkness because play was tardy.

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2024

When I get to school, the tardy bell for first period is ringing.

From "Piecing Me Together" by Renée Watson