Standard Lemma guide

promptness

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈpɹɒmptnəs/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The habit or characteristic of doing things without delay.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Adherence to a designated time.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable, usually

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

the quality or habit of adhering to an appointed time

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: punctuality

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: timing

4

noun

Meaning 4

the characteristic of doing things without delay

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: promptitude

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: celerity, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speediness

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English prompt Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English promptness From prompt + -ness.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Esperanto: akurateco — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • German: Schnelligkeit — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • German: Promptheit — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Irish: éascaíocht — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Spanish: prontitud — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Spanish: presteza — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Tagalog: hagol — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Thai: ความไม่ลังเล — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • Thai: ความรวดเร็ว — the habit or characteristic of doing things without delay
  • German: Pünktlichkeit — the habit of adhering to a designated time
  • Spanish: puntualidad — the habit of adhering to a designated time
  • Thai: ความตรงต่อเวลา — the habit of adhering to a designated time