deadline

American  

[ded-lahyn] / ˈdɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. the time by which something must be finished or submitted; the latest time for finishing something.

   a five o'clock deadline.

2. a line or limit that must not be passed.

3. (formerly) a boundary around a military prison beyond which a prisoner could not venture without risk of being shot by the guards.

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deadline British  

/ ˈdɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a time limit for any activity

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Other Word Forms

• postdeadline adjective

Etymology

Origin of deadline

First recorded in 1855–60; dead + line ¹

Example Sentences

But don’t mistake a lack of a deadline for a lack of a plan.

From The Wall Street Journal

But then on Monday, he declared a new deadline — five days this time — to allow time for the talks to continue.

From Barron's

"Private individuals cannot demand that automobile manufacturers refrain from placing passenger cars with internal combustion engines on the market" ahead of European Union deadlines, it said.

From Barron's

Attach a copy of the IRS’s letter—and pay attention to deadlines.

From The Wall Street Journal

"If we move past the deadline, focus will quickly shift to the scale of any action against Iran and the nature of Iran's response, particularly toward US bases and its allies."

From Barron's

Related Words

• limit
• period
• time limit