B2 noun Neutral

latency

/ˈleɪ.tən.si/

Latency refers to the time delay between a cause and an effect, or the duration it takes for data to travel across a network. It can also describe a state where something is present but hidden, inactive, or not yet visible, such as a virus in the body or a suppressed emotion.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The high latency on my internet connection makes it almost impossible to play fast-paced online games.

The high latency on my internet connection makes it almost impossible to play fast-paced online games.

2

The researchers recorded the latency between the light flash and the subject's neural response.

The researchers recorded the latency between the light flash and the subject's neural response.

3

My stream is lagging because of some weird latency issues today.

My stream is lagging because of some weird latency issues today.

Word Family

Noun
latency
Adverb
latently
Adjective
latent
Related
lateness
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Late' and add 'ency'. It is the state of a signal being slightly late.

Quick Quiz

The new fiber-optic cable was installed specifically to reduce _____, allowing for real-time data processing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: latency

Examples

1

The high latency on my internet connection makes it almost impossible to play fast-paced online games.

everyday

The high latency on my internet connection makes it almost impossible to play fast-paced online games.

2

The researchers recorded the latency between the light flash and the subject's neural response.

formal

The researchers recorded the latency between the light flash and the subject's neural response.

3

My stream is lagging because of some weird latency issues today.

informal

My stream is lagging because of some weird latency issues today.

4

This study analyzes the latency period of the disease, which can last up to ten years before symptoms appear.

academic

This study analyzes the latency period of the disease, which can last up to ten years before symptoms appear.

5

To improve our financial trading platform, we must minimize network latency to the millisecond level.

business

To improve our financial trading platform, we must minimize network latency to the millisecond level.

Word Family

Noun
latency
Adverb
latently
Adjective
latent
Related
lateness

Common Collocations

low latency low latency
network latency network latency
latency period latency period
reduce latency reduce latency
measure latency measure latency

Common Phrases

low-latency connection

low-latency connection

latency requirements

latency requirements

ultra-low latency

ultra-low latency

Often Confused With

latency vs lateness

Lateness refers to being tardy or past an expected time (e.g., a person arriving late), while latency refers to the inherent delay within a technical system or biological process.

📝

Usage Notes

In technical contexts, use 'latency' to talk about data speeds. In medical contexts, use it to describe the time a virus stays hidden in the body.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Don't use 'latency' to apologize for being late to a meeting; use 'lateness' or 'delay' instead.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Late' and add 'ency'. It is the state of a signal being slightly late.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'latere', which means 'to lie hidden'.

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun countable in technical comparisons (latencies)
🌍

Cultural Context

In the modern digital era, 'latency' is a critical concept in the gaming and telecommunications industries, often determining the quality of user experience.

Quick Quiz

The new fiber-optic cable was installed specifically to reduce _____, allowing for real-time data processing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: latency

Related Words

presolvful

C1

A specialized noun referring to a preliminary batch of information or the initial capacity required to begin resolving a complex issue. It describes the state of having gathered enough preparatory elements to initiate a formal solution process.

dephotoation

C1

Describes the intentional removal or degradation of photographic qualities and realistic details to achieve a stylized or abstract visual effect. It is primarily used in digital art and media theory to define a shift away from high-fidelity realism.

semiprobine

C1

To conduct a preliminary or partial investigation into a system, process, or subject to assess initial conditions or feasibility. It is typically used in technical or analytical contexts to describe a non-exhaustive initial scan performed before committing to a full-scale inquiry.

bivenship

C1

Pertaining to the legal framework or status derived from the Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents precedent, which allows individuals to sue federal officials for constitutional violations. It describes the specific remedial and procedural characteristics of such legal actions within the federal court system.

monoultimive

C1

Describes the single, final element or unique terminal point in a specific sequence or process. It is used to emphasize that there is only one concluding step or outcome possible in a given logical or physical progression.

hypersancttion

C1

A hypersancttion refers to an exceptionally severe, multi-layered, or totalizing penalty imposed by an authority or governing body. It describes a level of punishment or restriction that goes far beyond standard disciplinary measures, often aiming to completely isolate the target economically or socially.

informate

C1

A term referring to the information or data automatically generated by a computerized process, which provides visibility into the underlying activities of an organization. Unlike simple automation, which merely replaces human labor, this concept focuses on the capacity of technology to translate processes into readable information for analysis.

intrajudcy

C1

To conduct an internal evaluation or legal assessment within an organization or specific body to resolve a conflict or issue before it is moved to an external authority. This verb describes the process of deliberate internal adjudication used to maintain control over institutional standards.

unifacion

C1

Unification is the process of combining or merging separate parts, organizations, or countries into a single, cohesive whole. It refers to the structural or conceptual act of creating a unified entity from diverse components.

hyperclaudal

C1

Describing a state of extreme closure, excessive isolation, or severe restriction within a system or structure. It is frequently used in technical, theoretical, or test-specific contexts to denote a high degree of impenetrability that prevents external interaction or influence.

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