deadline

[ ded-lahyn ]

noun

1. the time by which something must be finished or submitted; the latest time for finishing something:

   a five o'clock deadline.

2. a line or limit that must not be passed.
3. (formerly) a boundary around a military prison beyond which a prisoner could not venture without risk of being shot by the guards.

deadline

/ ˈdɛdˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a time limit for any activity

Other Words From

• post·deadline adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadline¹

First recorded in 1855–60; dead + line ¹

Example Sentences

Was it refreshing or daunting to write on someone else’s deadline?

From Los Angeles Times

And he wants rules in place “a lot earlier” than the deadline.

From Los Angeles Times

The government says the new deadlines it has set, requiring action by 2029, will be backed by investment in enforcement.

From BBC

The meeting in Busan, South Korea, was meant to be the final fifth round of negotiations but after late night talks countries were unable to resolve their differences missing their key two-year deadline.

From BBC

This gave officials a 9 December deadline to come up with a solution.

From BBC

Related Words

• limit
• period
• time limit