die Zeitnot, ¨-e
time pressure
Definition & meaning
Zeitnot means a lack of time or a situation in which too little time remains to complete something. It often suggests pressure and urgency, especially when a deadline is near.
In chess, it has a specific meaning: a player has very little time left on the clock to make the required moves.
Grammar & word origin
Zeitnot is a feminine noun: die Zeitnot. It is usually used as a singular, abstract noun; a plural form is uncommon.
It is a compound of Zeit , meaning “time,” and Not , meaning “need,” “distress,” or “hardship.” Together, the parts convey the idea of being in difficulty because of insufficient time.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Zeitdruck — “time pressure.” This emphasizes the pressure created by limited time, whereas Zeitnot more directly describes the shortage or critical lack of time.
- Zeitmangel — “lack of time.” This is a more neutral, straightforward term and does not necessarily imply urgency.
- Zeitüberschuss — “surplus of time,” a direct opposite in terms of having more time than needed.
- ausreichend Zeit — “enough time,” an opposite in the practical sense.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Wegen Zeitnot fährt sie mit dem Taxi.noun
Because of time pressure, she takes a taxi.
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