dead-line

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A boundary or limit that cannot be crossed: "deadline" originally referred to a physical line that, if crossed, could result in serious consequences (e.g., in a prison yard).
    • A time limit for completing a task: The most common modern meaning — the latest time or date by which something must be finished or submitted.
    • A final cutoff point: Often used in contexts like payments, withdrawals, or project completions.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The deadline for submitting the report is next Friday. (The final date for completing the task.)
    • Soldiers were warned not to cross the deadline in the prison camp. (A physical boundary with severe penalties.)
    • She worked all night to meet the project deadline. (The time limit for finishing the work.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to set a deadline": to establish a specific time or date by which something must be done.

    • The teacher set a deadline for the essay at midnight on Sunday. (The teacher established a final time for submission.)

  • "to miss a deadline": to fail to complete a task by the required time.

    • If you miss the deadline, your application will not be considered. (Failure to finish by the cutoff date.)

  • "to extend a deadline": to give more time beyond the original limit.

    • The company extended the deadline for payment by one week. (They allowed more time.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Deadlined (adj): having a specific deadline; also, past tense of "to deadline" (rare).

    • The project is deadlined for completion by March. (It has a set deadline.)

  • Deadline pressure (n): the stress caused by approaching time limits.

    • Deadline pressure often leads to overtime work. (The stress of meeting a cutoff.)
Synonyms
  • Time limit: the maximum amount of time allowed for something.
  • Cutoff: a point at which something stops or is no longer accepted.
  • Due date: the date by which payment or work is expected.
Phrasal Verbs
Related Idioms

  • "Under the deadline": working close to the final time limit.

    • We are under the deadline to finish the edits. (We are near the cutoff time.)

  • "Deadline looming": a deadline that is approaching quickly and causing urgency.

    • With the deadline looming, everyone is working faster. (The time limit is near and causing pressure.)