Definition

Noun: A person who arrives after the expected or scheduled time.

Usage

The word "latecomer" is used to describe an individual whose arrival is delayed. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, implying the person missed the beginning of an event, meeting, or activity. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The teacher asked the latecomer to wait outside until the lecture was finished.
• As a latecomer to the industry, she had to work twice as hard to catch up with her competitors.
• Please be quiet when you enter; we don't want to disturb everyone for every latecomer.

Advanced Usage

• The Latecomer (as a title or epithet): Can be used to characterize a person or entity that entered a field, trend, or market significantly after others.
  • In the world of electric vehicles, the company was considered a latecomer but quickly became a leader.

Variants and Related Words

• Tardy (adj/noun): Often used in educational contexts for a student who is late. ()
• Straggler (noun): Someone who lags behind a group, often arriving late as a result. ()

Synonyms

• Arrival after the fact
• Johnny-come-lately (idiomatic, often derogatory)

Related Idioms

• Johnny-come-lately: A disparaging term for a person who has recently become involved in an activity or trend, especially one who is perceived as opportunistic.
  • Some of the original members resented the Johnny-come-lately who now wanted to take charge.

Noun

1. someone who arrives late