punctuality

American  

[puhngk-choo-al-i-tee] / ˌpʌŋk tʃuˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the quality or state of being punctual.

2. strict observance in keeping engagements; promptness.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unpunctuality
  noun

Etymology

Origin of punctuality

First recorded in 1610–20; punctual + -ity

Explanation

Punctuality is the state of being prompt. You might come home from a European trip exclaiming over the punctuality of German trains, which are always on time. Punctuality is an important quality when it comes to things like public transportation and job interviews. If you're known for always showing up exactly when you say you will, people will start to depend on your punctuality. The Latin root of punctuality is punctus, a sharp point. This is why people who value punctuality will tell you to meet them at, say, six o'clock sharp, or right on the dot — in other words, at exactly the agreed-upon time.

Example Sentences

Punctuality at Germany's much-maligned state railway Deutsche Bahn slumped even further in January, the company said Monday, adding to the network's woes.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

South African low cost carrier Safair and Germany’s Eurowings took second and third spots in the Punctuality League, with on-time performances of 95.3% and 95.26% respectively.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2023

Punctuality is important in the transportation world — in fact, it’s the primary way that trucking companies are evaluated in a highly competitive industry.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2020

Punctuality was a word to be found only in the dictionary and bureaucracy seemed to be enshrined in the constitution.

From BBC • Nov. 12, 2015

Punctuality was not his strong point—especially now that he was expected to escort his younger siblings and half-siblings to their school before hopping into a publicar and hurrying to his.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman