What is deadline? Pronunciation and usage in English

deadline means . Learn how to pronounce and use deadline through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of deadline

deadlinenoun

/ˈdɛdlʌɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of deadline

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deadline" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈdɪ-līnˌdām

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈdɪ - Sounds like "di" as in "did." (The stress is on this first syllable)
  • līn - Sounds like "leen" as in "lean."
  • ˌdām - Sounds like "dam" as in "dam" (with a slightly shorter vowel sound).

Putting it together: di-leen-dam

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The first syllable ("di") is the stressed syllable. This is the most important thing.
  • "L" sound: Ensure you're making a clear "l" sound on the "lin" part.
  • "A" in "dam": The "a" in "dam" is short and not like the "a" in "cat."

Resources to listen:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some variations in pronunciation (e.g., British vs. American)?

Usage and examples with the word deadline in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deadline" in English. It's a really common word, but understanding its nuances is helpful.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Definition: A deadline is a date or time by which something must be finished or submitted. It's the final point of no return.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • "We have a deadline to meet." (General statement about needing to finish something by a specific time.)
  • "The deadline for the application is Friday." (Specifying the date for a submission.)
  • "I missed the deadline!" (Expressing regret for not finishing something on time.)
  • "There's a tight deadline on this project." (Meaning the time frame is short and challenging.)
  • "The deadline extended until next week." (Meaning the date for completion was pushed back.)

3. Different Contexts & How to Phrase It:

  • Work/School:
    • "The deadline for the report is 5 pm." (Clear and direct.)
    • "Please submit your assignment by the deadline." (A polite request.)
    • "We're working under a strict deadline to launch the product." (Emphasizes the pressure of the time limit.)
  • Personal Projects:
    • "I've set a deadline for myself to finish knitting this scarf." (Using it for self-imposed time limits.)
    • "I need a deadline to keep me motivated." (Highlighting its role in productivity.)
  • Legal/Formal:
    • "The court set a deadline for the defendant to file their response." (More official context.)

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Meet the deadline: (To finish something on time)
  • Miss the deadline: (To fail to finish something by the time)
  • Extended deadline: (The deadline has been pushed back)
  • Tight deadline: (A short deadline – creates pressure)
  • Hard deadline: (A deadline that cannot be changed)
  • Due date: (Often used interchangeably with deadline, especially for deliverables like assignments.)

5. Example Sentences Showing Different Nuances:

  • “The team is racing against the deadline to finish the prototype.” (implies urgency)
  • “Let’s aim to get the proposal drafted by the end of the week – there’s a deadline looming.” (signals an approaching deadline)
  • “I’m trying to manage my time effectively to avoid missing the deadline.” (focuses on time management)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "deadline" in? (e.g., work, school, personal projects, general conversation?)
  • Is there a particular sentence you're trying to write that uses "deadline"?

Synonyms for the word deadline

Practice with vocabulary deadline

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager stressed the importance of meeting the __________ to ensure timely delivery to the client.
  2. Due to unforeseen technical issues, we requested an extension for the software development __________ from the client.
  3. Please note that the final __________ for submitting your research paper is December 15th, 5 PM, without exception.
  4. She always allocates her time efficiently, prioritizing tasks to ensure everything is completed well ahead of its designated __________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes the ultimate fixed point in time by which a task or project must be completed, often with consequences for non-compliance? a) Timeline b) Due date c) Cutoff point d) Deadline e) Time limit

  2. To successfully complete the annual report, we must adhere strictly to the internal __________ set for next Friday, which is our final day for submission. a) milestone b) deadline c) schedule d) target date e) due date

  3. The marketing team is facing a very tight __________ to launch the new product before the holiday season begins. a) schedule b) deadline c) target d) window

  4. Before starting the coding phase, the development team must define key project __________ and allocate resources accordingly. a) deadlines b) priorities c) milestones d) submissions

  5. Which term refers to the entire period or duration allotted for a project or task, not just its end point? a) Deadline b) Final date c) Time frame d) Completion point

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The final date for submitting all proposals is April 30th. Rewrite using "deadline": The __________ for submitting all proposals is April 30th.

  2. Original: They couldn't finish the report in time, so it was handed in late. Rewrite using "deadline" or a related form: The report was handed in late because they couldn't meet the __________.

  3. Original: Please ensure that all forms are returned by the end of the working day on Friday. Rewrite without using "deadline" but with a suitable replacement word: Please ensure that all forms are returned by the __________ of the working day on Friday.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. deadline
  2. deadline
  3. due date (or submission date)
  4. target

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. d) Deadline
  2. b) deadline, e) due date (Both are correct)
  3. b) deadline
  4. c) milestones
  5. c) Time frame

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The deadline for submitting all proposals is April 30th.
  2. The report was handed in late because they couldn't meet the deadline.
  3. Please ensure that all forms are returned by the cut-off time of the working day on Friday.

Comment ()