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Definitions

lead time

[leed] / lid /
NOUN
preparation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrangement construction education establishment formation groundwork measure plan precaution preparedness qualification rehearsal study training
STRONG
alertness anticipation background base basis evolution expectation fitting foresight foundation gestation homework incubation manufacture provision readying rundown safeguard schoolwork substructure tryout workout
WEAK
buildup dry run getting ready making ready preparing putting in order
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance
WEAK
ingredient unreadiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He says he’s wary about his Somali clients getting a fair hearing, given the volume of cases that have been rescheduled and the abbreviated lead time for hearings.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

“Other equipment,” another component of business investment, has a similar lead time to transportation equipment.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

And then this, and then that, whatever—I think, at the time, we had a 14-week lead time on artworks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Earthquakes are notoriously difficult to predict,, but the alert's lead time - about 15 seconds for Mr Manaugh - was enough to take action.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2025

The few days of lead time were just enough to scope out the bare essentials of her new life: the location of the nearest AME church, mealtimes at the Lucy home, and transportation to work.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.