late-comer
Noun: A person who arrives after the expected or scheduled time; someone who comes later than others.
- (A person arriving after the official start time.)
- (Someone who arrived after the event had begun.)
"late-comer to a field": someone who becomes involved in an activity, profession, or movement later than others.
- Despite being a late-comer to the tech industry, she quickly became a leader in artificial intelligence. (She joined the industry later than many peers but succeeded rapidly.)
"late-comer in a race": a competitor who starts behind others or finishes after the frontrunners.
- The late-comer in the marathon still received a medal for completing the course. (A runner who finished after the main group.)
Late (adj): occurring after the usual or expected time.
- He arrived late for the appointment. (He came after the scheduled time.)
Comer (n): a person who arrives or appears.
- The first comer gets the best seat. (The person who arrives first.)
Newcomer (n): a person who has recently arrived in a place or joined a group.
- The newcomer to the office was introduced to the team. (A recent arrival.)
Latecomer (n): alternative spelling of "late-comer," often written as a single word.
- The latecomer was asked to sign the attendance sheet. (Same meaning as "late-comer.")
- Arrivé tardif (French loan phrase): a late arrival.
- Straggler: someone who falls behind or arrives later than the main group.
- Tardy person: someone who is habitually late.
Better late than never: it is better to arrive or do something late than not at all.
- He finally apologized for the mistake — better late than never. (The apology came late but was still appreciated.)
Fashionably late: arriving after the expected time in a way that is considered stylish or socially acceptable.
- She always arrives fashionably late to parties. (She delays her arrival deliberately for effect.)