to make something happen at a later time than originally planned or expected, a period of time by which something is late or postponed

time and tide wait for no man, better late than never, running late

without delay, delay of game, delayed gratification

Formal and Informal Expressions of delay

In different contexts, you can replace 'delay' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'postpone, defer' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'put off, hold up' is a commonplace synonym.

delay: Explore its Definition & Usage

delay Definition

1to make something happen at a later time than originally planned or expected
2a period of time by which something is late or postponed

Using delay: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "delay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
Example
Don't delay your decision any longer.
Example
The project is behind schedule because of delays in funding.
Example
There was a delay in the delivery of the package.

delay Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for delay

postpone
defer
procrastinate
put off
hold up

Antonyms for delay

Idioms Using delay

time and tide wait for no man
time passes quickly and waits for no one
Example
You should start working on your project now because time and tide wait for no man.
better late than never
it's better to do something late than to never do it at all
Example
I know I'm late with my assignment, but better late than never, right?
running late
being behind schedule or arriving later than expected
Example
I'm running late for our meeting because of traffic.

Phrases with delay

without delay
immediately, without waiting
Example
Please respond to this email without delay.
delay of game
a penalty in sports for intentionally delaying the game
Example
The team received a delay of game penalty for taking too long to make a play.
delayed gratification
the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward
Example
Children who learn delayed gratification tend to have better life outcomes as adults.

Origins of delay

from Old French 'delai', meaning 'lateness'

📌

Summary: delay in Brief

The verb 'delay' [dɪˈleɪ] means to postpone or defer something beyond its original schedule. The noun 'delay' refers to the period of time by which something is late or postponed. Examples include 'The flight was delayed due to bad weather.' and 'Don't delay your decision any longer.' Phrases like 'without delay' and idioms like 'better late than never' are also common.