Definition

Noun: - A period of time between two related events, especially a delay between a cause and its effect or between a signal being sent and received.

Usage

"Time lag" refers specifically to an interval of waiting or a pause that occurs between an initial action and a subsequent reaction or result. It is often used in technical, scientific, and logistical contexts.

Examples

• There is a noticeable time lag between pressing the remote button and the television responding.
• Economists study the time lag between a change in interest rates and its impact on the economy.
• The time lag in satellite communication is due to the vast distance the signals must travel.

Advanced Usage

• "inherent time lag": A delay that is a built-in or unavoidable characteristic of a system or process.
  • The inherent time lag in the legislative process means laws often address yesterday's problems.
• "compensate for the time lag": To adjust for or counteract a known delay.
  • The software compensates for the time lag to synchronize audio and video perfectly.

Variants and Related Words

• Lag (noun/verb): A delay or fall behind. Often used interchangeably with "time lag" but can be more general.
  • The video call had a bad lag.
• Delay (noun): A more general term for making something late or slow.
• Latency (noun): A technical term, especially in computing and telecommunications, for a time lag between input and output.

Synonyms

• Delay
• Interval
• Gap
• Wait
• Hold-up

Related Phrases

• Communication lag: The delay in the exchange of information.
• Response lag: The delay before a response is given.
• Jet lag: A disruption of the body's circadian rhythms due to rapid travel across time zones (a specific, idiomatic use of "lag").

Noun

1. time during which some action is awaited
   • instant replay caused too long a delay
   • he ordered a hold in the action