# punctuality

/ˌpəŋktʃuˈæɫɪti/ (US) · /pˌʌŋktʃuːˈælɪti/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/punctuality
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the quality of being on time for appointments or events. It is a sign of respect and professionalism in many cultures.

For teachers: the quality of arriving or performing an action at the exact time expected. Often associated with professional reliability and social etiquette.

## Examples

- Punctuality is very important in this company.
- The manager praised the team for their punctuality, noting that the project stayed on schedule because everyone arrived on time.
- While some cultures view strict punctuality as a necessity for business success, others prioritize the social value of arriving slightly late to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for the meeting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.