deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

1

: a line drawn within or around a prison that a prisoner passes at the risk of being shot

2

a

: a date or time before which something must be done

b

: the time after which copy is not accepted for a particular issue of a publication

Phrases

on deadline or under deadline

: with the requirement of meeting a deadline

working on deadline

Examples of deadline in a Sentence

She worked on her composition right up until the deadline.

We had to hurry to meet the deadline.

The project was completed a week past its deadline.

The deadline for submitting college applications is April 19th.

They're working under a deadline.

Recent Examples on the Web

But both Finch and Delaney are now able to meet deadlines and completing tasks much more often than not. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 27 Jan. 2025

But bikers see too, especially Roger (André Holland, charming as always), a writer struggling to face his scattered emotional life and a looming magazine deadline. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025

Aid Group Struggles To Feed Thousands Displaced By Conflict In DRC By Shamim Chowdhury Content Reporter 0 M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, claimed to have taken control of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, early on Monday, while a 48-hour deadline for the Congolese army to surrender expired. —Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

This suspension, with its five-game minimum, would keep him away from the team until after the Feb. 6 NBA trading deadline. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

deadline

noun

dead·​line ˈded-ˌlīn 

: a date or time before which something must be done