Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Continuous, without interruption: Describes something that lasts or operates for 24 hours a day, all day and all night.
   • Constant, non-stop: Indicates an activity or service that is ongoing and does not cease.

Usage

• This adjective is typically used before a noun to modify it.
• It describes services, care, surveillance, or operations that are uninterrupted.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The factory requires around-the-clock maintenance to keep the machines running. (The maintenance happens continuously, day and night.)
  • The patient received around-the-clock monitoring after the surgery. (The monitoring was constant, without stopping.)
  • The convenience store offers around-the-clock service. (The store is open 24 hours a day.)

Advanced Usage

• "around-the-clock" as an adverbial phrase: While primarily an adjective, it can sometimes function informally in an adverbial position.
  • The team worked around the clock to finish the project on time. (The team worked continuously, without stopping for day or night.)

Variants and Related Words

• Round-the-clock: A common variant with the same meaning.
  • The embassy provides round-the-clock assistance to citizens.
• 24/7: An informal, numerical abbreviation meaning "twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week," synonymous with constant availability.
  • This hotline operates 24/7.

Synonyms

• Continuous: Uninterrupted in time.
• Non-stop: Continuing without a pause or break.
• Constant: Occurring continuously over a period of time.
• Unceasing: Never stopping.

Antonyms

• Intermittent: Stopping and starting at intervals.
• Periodic: Occurring at regular intervals.
• Sporadic: Occurring at irregular intervals.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Day and night: Continuously, all the time. (This phrase is often used similarly but can be more general.)
  • He worked day and night to achieve his goal.

Adjective

1. at all times
   • around-the-clock nursing care