A deadline is a specific time or date by which something must be finished. When your teacher says a book report is due next Friday, that's a deadline. When a journalist must submit an article by 5 PM, that's a deadline too.

Missing a deadline usually has consequences. A student who turns in work after the deadline might lose points. A newspaper that misses its printing deadline can't get papers delivered on time. Companies that miss deadlines might lose customers or money.

Deadlines help people organize their time and work. Without them, projects could drift on forever, with everyone assuming someone else will finish eventually. A good deadline creates urgency and focus. You might notice that you work faster and more efficiently as a deadline approaches, something people call working under deadline.

Some deadlines are flexible (called soft deadlines), while others absolutely can't be moved (called hard deadlines). Learning to meet deadlines reliably is an essential skill for school, work, and life.