Deadline

Definition

Deadline refers to the latest time or date by which something must be completed or submitted. It typically signifies a fixed time limit for completing a task, project, or assignment.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/
• Respelling: DED-line

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɛdˌlaɪn/
• Respelling: DED-line

The pronunciation of "deadline" is the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "deadline" originally referred to a line that prisoners were not allowed to cross in Civil War prisons, a boundary that meant death if crossed. Over time, its meaning evolved into the figurative sense we use today, describing a strict time limit. The term first appeared in this form in the early 20th century.

Derivatives

• Deadline-driven (adjective)
• Meeting deadlines (phrase)
• Miss the deadline (phrase)
• Under deadline (phrase)
• Deadline extension (noun)

Synonyms

• Due date
• Time limit
• Cutoff point

Antonyms

• Flexibility
• Indefinite
• Extension

Usage

The word "deadline" is commonly used in both professional and academic settings to indicate the latest possible time to complete a task, project, or report. For example: "The deadline for submitting the assignment is Friday," or "The journalist was working under a tight deadline to finish the article." It is also used metaphorically to refer to time pressure in any context where timeliness is crucial.

Related Terms

• Timeline: A schedule of events or tasks over time.
• Due date: The specific date when something is expected or required to be completed.
• Milestone: A significant point or event in a project, marking progress.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The latest time or date by which something must be completed: Refers to a fixed point in time by which a task, project, or assignment must be finished.
  • Example: "The deadline for submitting the tax return is April 15th."
• A time limit for completing something: Can refer to any situation where a finite amount of time is given to accomplish a goal.
  • Example: "The editor gave me a strict deadline for the article."