promptness

[prompt-nis]

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.

Other Word Forms

• overpromptness noun
• unpromptness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promptness¹

prompt ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

He arrived at the studio early on the first day, hoping to impress Lennon with his professionalism and promptness.

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Chair Kristie Fiegen cited myriad reasons in her motion to deny, including the company’s lack of promptness and several objections to commission staff questions as well as struggles to notify landowners of routes and meetings.

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She maintains firm boundaries with her adolescent charges, insisting on promptness in the locker room and easily shrugging off any youthful insubordination.

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Transparency, promptness and clarity were too often missing during this pandemic, and online disinformation further corroded public confidence.

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But with Wednesday's return to form, the move toward promptness may be, well, delayed.

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