Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fixed time or date by which a task must be completed or a payment must be made: A deadline is a specific, final point in time set for finishing an activity, submitting work, or meeting an obligation.

Usage

• Deadlines are used to establish clear expectations for completion. They are common in work, academic, and legal contexts.
• The word is typically used with prepositions like by, before, after, past, or to meet/miss.
• It is a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The deadline for the project is next Friday.
  • She always submits her assignments before the deadline.
  • We are working hard to meet the publishing deadline.
  • He missed the application deadline by one day.

Advanced Usage

• "To set/impose a deadline": To establish a final time for completion.
  • The manager set a strict deadline for the report.
• "To work to a deadline": To be in a situation where one's work is governed by a time limit.
  • Journalists are accustomed to working to tight deadlines.
• "A deadline is looming/approaching": A deadline is coming soon, often creating pressure.
  • With the deadline looming, the team worked overtime.

Variants and Related Words

• Deadlined (adj., informal): Having a deadline attached.
  • All deadlined tasks are prioritized.
• Deadline-driven (adj.): Characterized by or focused on meeting deadlines.
  • The industry is very deadline-driven.

Synonyms

• Due date: Often used for payments or assignments.
• Cut-off time/date: The final moment something will be accepted.
• Time limit: A period allowed for something to be completed.

Related Phrases

• "Against the clock/deadline": Rushing to finish before time runs out.
  • We were racing against the deadline to finish the proposal.
• "Soft deadline vs. hard deadline": A soft deadline is flexible or suggested, while a hard deadline is fixed and final.
  • The first draft has a soft deadline, but the final submission is a hard deadline.

Noun

1. the point in time at which something must be completed