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cut-off time

/ˈkʌt ɒf taɪm/
noun phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
The latest acceptable time for a task or transaction to be considered valid.
¶ Literal Meaning
The time at which something is cut off or terminated.
Literal Breakdown
cut-offthe act of terminating or excluding+timea specific moment or period
◇ Mental Image
A metaphorical line or boundary in time beyond which something is no longer accepted.
◈ When to Use
A company sets a cut-off time of 5 PM for employee evaluations to ensure all feedback is submitted before the end of the quarter.
◉ Cultural Note
The concept of deadlines and cut-off times is deeply embedded in business and organizational cultures, emphasizing punctuality and adherence to schedules.
💼Business
formal

The latest time by which an action must be completed or a deadline must be met to be considered valid or accepted.

The cut-off time for submitting applications is 5 PM on Friday.

The deadline for submitting applications is 5 PM on Friday.

Please ensure all payments are made before the cut-off time to avoid late fees.

Please ensure all payments are made before the deadline to avoid late fees.

💡

Commonly used in business, finance, and technology contexts to specify the final acceptable time for a task or transaction.

Collocations

miss the cut-off timeto fail to meet the deadlineextend the cut-off timeto postpone the deadline

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

cut-off datephrase
the final date by which an action must be completed
cut-off pointphrase
the point at which something is no longer accepted or valid

💡Pro Tip

Business Context

In business, always confirm the cut-off time for submissions, payments, or other critical actions to avoid penalties or exclusion.

⚡Gold Rule

Accuracy

Ensure that the cut-off time is clearly communicated to all parties involved to avoid misunderstandings.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'cut off' (to terminate or exclude) combined with 'time' (a specific moment or period).

📝Usage Notes

Often used in formal contexts such as business, finance, and technology to specify the latest acceptable time for a task or transaction. Avoid using in casual or informal settings.

Word Breakdown

cut-off
the point at which something is terminated or excluded
phrase
+
time
a specific moment or period
word
English Dictionary

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