Is unpunctuality a word? If so, in what dictionary can I find it?

Answer 1

Consider the purpose of the prefix. "Un" simply means "not". So "unpunctual" simply and ligitimately, means "not punctual". Ah, but we also have to consider the suffix: "ity". This is the imperfect, and therefore abstract, sense of being "unpunctual" as a term of generalisation. So you have hit on a real grey area of the English language. We regard someone's "punctuality" as a diagnosis of their ability to be "punctual". So why do we need to comment on someone's "unpunctuality" when we have already established their level of "punctuality". The latter (more accepted) status is simply the inverse the former. In other words, there is no need to refer to anyone as being "unpunctual", just as there is no need to refer to their "unstupidity". There are simply more useful terms that fulfil the need. However, there may be cases when "unpunctuality" is just the word you are looking for. So don't let anyone ever tell you that you are not allowed to use a particular word, just as long as you can find the right situation and context. Ask Shakespeare: he invented hundreds of words!

Answer 2

No, the word is unpunctual or IMpunctuality
www.dictionary.com

Answer 3

Unpunctuality means want of punctuality.

unpunctual definition:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/unpunctuality

unpunctuality definition:
http://adsl-65-66-134-201.dsl.kscymo.swbell.net/cgi-bin/webster/webster.exe?search_for_texts_web1828=unpunctuality

scan down through the "un" word list for unpunctuality:
http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=unpunctuality

Answer 4

Unpunctual Definition

Answer 5

"Unpunctuality" is not a word. It should be lateness or slowness.

Answer 6

Just doesn't sound right to me. Can't find it in my Webster's College Dictionary.

Answer 7

This is not a word recognized by any dictionary, though some people have "made it up and used it."

The word you want is TARDINESS.