lateness

noun

late·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being late

the lateness of his arrival

the lateness of the season

Word History

Etymology

Middle English latnesse, from Old English lætnes slowness, from læt late, slow + -nes -ness

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Rhymes for lateness

• greatness
• straightness