around-the-clock
/ə'raundðə'klɔk/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- at all times
- around-the-clock nursing care