Definitions

time lag

[tahym-lag] / ˈtaɪmˌlæg /

NOUN

lapse of time

Synonyms

WEAK

delay interval lagging space time gap time warp

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 contrast, US energy companies ExxonMobil and Chevron saw their profits decline, results affected by an unfavourable time lag between the sale and delivery of products within the derivatives markets.

From Barron's • May 10, 2026

“We’re thinking there’s going to be a one- to two-month time lag between the strait opening up and the market seeing normal flows,” Woods said.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

But the director ignores the time lag in Hollywood between inspiration and execution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

"While this is a uniquely complex investigation, there are fair criticisms around the time lag."

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2023

For all that, the pair did succeed in measuring the time lag of the photoelectric effect at about two billionths of a second.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik