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. )

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

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

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2022

She had granted Florence the victory—with a promptness that had the effect of making Florence, however dimly and unwillingly, wonder if her victory was real.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin