Word
latency
Phoneticsla·ten·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫeɪtənsi/
UK/lˈeɪtnsi/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the delay between when you do something and when you see the result. In technology, it usually refers to how fast data travels over a network.
n. the delay between a stimulus and a response, or the time elapsed between a command and its execution. Often refers to the lag in data transmission within a computer system or network.
Examples
“High latency makes online gaming very difficult.”
“The new fiber-optic cables significantly reduced the network latency for users in the remote office.”
“In medical diagnostics, the latency period refers to the interval between exposure to a pathogen and the first appearance of clinical symptoms.”
Examples
simple
“High latency makes online gaming very difficult.”
contextual
“The new fiber-optic cables significantly reduced the network latency for users in the remote office.”
complex
“In medical diagnostics, the latency period refers to the interval between exposure to a pathogen and the first appearance of clinical symptoms.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general concept of delay; countable when discussing specific measured intervals.
Real-World Examples
“The location of these large, windowless buildings filled with beeping servers and cables also became important to latency – the time it takes for data to travel from its source to its destination.” “The test vehicle showed a bit of latency when playing music from my phone, with graphics from a prior track still displayed after the next track’s audio started.” “Latency can stem from various sources, with internet speed being a significant contributor in competitive environments; however, Reflex specifically targets latency linked to hardware.” “The core issue at play is latency, which refers to the delay between when a video frame is captured and when it is displayed.” Etymology
From latent + -ency.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/latency