promptness

[ prompt-nis ]
See synonyms for promptness on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the fact of being done, delivered, etc., at once or without delay: I appreciated his promptness in paying off the $10,000, as the company couldn't afford to carry such a big debt for long.

  2. the fact or habit of being on time; punctuality: Washington's promptness extended even to his mealtimes; he ate dinner each day at exactly 4 o'clock, even if guests had not yet arrived.

Origin of promptness

1

Other words from promptness

  • o·ver·prompt·ness, noun
  • un·prompt·ness, noun

Words Nearby promptness

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use promptness in a sentence

  • With laudable promptness, the speechifying began, as promised, at 11.

  • It is critical to focus on concrete and implementable options, on a low profile, discretion and promptness.

    Kerry Must Hurry | Yossi Beilin | February 6, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • This danger Garnache, however, was no less quick to perceive, and with a dismaying promptness did he take his measures.

    St. Martin's Summer | Rafael Sabatini
  • The whole operation was performed with a degree of system, regularity, and promptness, that was quite surprising.

    Rollo in Holland | Jacob Abbott
  • Then his mind turned with promptness to the still living and urgent incidents of the situation.

    Overland | John William De Forest
  • "That was a fine specimen of soldierly wit and promptness, Simms," commended Lieutenant Hal heartily.

  • I agreed with such promptness and eagerness that a faint tinge of color came into her face.

    A Little Union Scout | Joel Chandler Harris