adjective / noun
tardy
TAR-dee/ˈtɑːrdi/
Late in arriving or happening.
Students who miss the morning bell are marked tardy.
Etymology
Old French tardif covered both slowness and lateness. English first used tardy for slow movement, then extended it to acting or happening after the expected time.
In context
Do you not come your tardy son to chide, That, lapsed in time and passion, lets go by The important acting of your dread command?
More examples
- Please forgive my tardy reply to your invitation.
- The tardy guests arrive halfway through dinner.
- Three tardies in one week require a meeting with the principal.
Forms
tardy · tardier · tardiest · tardies
tardiness noun — The condition or habit of being late.