Late/leɪt/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Missing Deadlines Shows not meeting expected timing, often negative, suggests poor planning or obstacles. Sorry I'm late; the traffic was terrible. Pro Tip 2/3Polite Apologies Used as an apology when arriving after the agreed time, to show awareness and regret. I apologize for being late, there was an unexpected delay. Pro Tip 3/3Impacts Socially Being late can affect others' view of your reliability and respect for their time. His constant lateness made his friends stop relying on him.