Delay
Noun, Verb
UK
/dɪˈleɪ/
US
/dɪˈleɪ/
Definition
(n) : A period of time when something is late.
(v) : To make something happen later.
(v) : To make something happen later.
Example
"(n) : The train had a delay."
"(v) : Bad weather delayed the football match, so players had to wait until the rain stopped."
"(v) : They delayed their decision to buy a car because they wanted to save more money first."
Explanation
A delay happens when something is made late or slowed down, instead of happening at the expected time. For example, a train might be delayed because of bad weather, or your flight may have a two-hour delay. As a noun, a delay is the period of waiting; for example, “There was a two-hour delay before the flight took off”. It can also mean to make someone or something late on purpose, like delaying homework or a decision. Delays can cause frustration, but sometimes they are necessary to keep things safe or organised.