on time

comparative more on time · superlative most on time · alternative on-time

1. Punctual or according to schedule; at the planned time.

   Unless our train's not on time, we'll be home at three.

1. not comparablePunctually or according to the schedule.

   The train arrived on time for the first time this week.

   2 more examples

   A company that makes a fetish of never exceeding the budget invites game-playing and other malarky. It is easy to forget the obvious: that it involves no skill to come in on time and under budget if the schedule and budget are generous enough.

   1993, Richard Barry, “Budgeting”, in The Management of International Oil Operations, Tulsa, Ok.: PennWell Books, →ISBN, page 331

   My train arrives on time - an eight-car Class 387. A handful of passengers alight, but not too many board - certainly not enough to warrant eight cars.

   2025 October 15, 'Mystery Shopper', “About Anglia... and high scores”, in RAIL, number 1046, page 53

2. not comparableBy installments, payments over a period of time.

   They bought their dining-room furniture on time.

3. not comparableboard gamesBy a player's running out of time.

   Smith beat Jones on time.