after the expected or usual time; delayed; "a belated birthday card"; "I'm late for the plane"; "the train is late"; "tardy children are sent to the principal"; "always tardy in making dental appointments"
If you describe something or someone as tardy, you think that they are later than they should be or later than expected. He wept for the loss of his mother and his tardy recognition of her affection + tardiness tar·di·ness His legendary tardiness left audiences waiting for hours
Not being inseason; late; dilatory; opposed to prompt; as, to be tardy in one's payments
disapproval If you describe someone or something as tardy, you are criticizing them because they are slow to act. companies who are tardy in paying bills + tardiness tar·di·ness England's tardiness in giving talented young players greater international experience