Latency/ˈleɪtənsi/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Understanding Delays Consider 'latency' for unseen delays rather than immediate ones. The team didn't notice the latency in the equipment order. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Bad 'Latency' isn't always negative; it can provide time to prepare or respond. The latency in the system allowed for a thorough security check. Pro Tip 3/3Expectation Setting In some contexts, 'latency' suggests expected waiting time. Our process has a latency of five business days.