promptness

American  

[prompt-nis] / ˈprɒmpt nɪs /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• overpromptness noun
• unpromptness noun

Etymology

Origin of promptness

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

Explanation

Promptness is a quality of arriving quickly or exactly when you're supposed to. German trains, which tend to pull into the station at the exact scheduled time, are famous for their promptness. When someone compliments your promptness, they're either admiring your tendency to act immediately or your punctuality. If someone calls an ambulance for a medical emergency, its promptness is vital — someone's life could be on the line, so quick action is important. And when you have to catch an airplane, your taxi's promptness matters too. If you asked for a ride at 12:30 and your driver pulls up at precisely 12:30, you should thank her for her promptness (or just leave a nice tip).

Example Sentences

"I have a lot of admiration for the promptness with which they're treating the whole subject," Yunus said.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2025

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

From Salon • May 31, 2024

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.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 6, 2023

The promptness of that initial reply appears to be crucially important, data collected by the program suggest.

From New York Times • Jul. 24, 2017

The commission concluded, “People of both races acted with such courage and promptness as to end the trouble early.”

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield