running time
B2Neutral/Formal
Definition
Meaning
The duration for which a film, programme, or performance lasts from beginning to end.
The total time a process, computer program, or machine takes to complete its operation; the amount of time something is active or functioning.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In film/TV contexts, it refers to the actual content length excluding credits or ads. In computing, it denotes the period during which a program is executing. It is predominantly a noun phrase.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. American English may slightly favour 'runtime' as a closed compound in computing contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Implies precision and measurement.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties in media contexts. Slightly more frequent in American English in software/computing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the running time of [noun]a running time of [number + unit]with a running time ofVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable (technical term).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in project management for task duration or machine operation schedules.
Academic
Used in computer science to analyse algorithm efficiency.
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing film, theatre, or concert length.
Technical
Precise term in software engineering for program execution duration; in film, the exact length of the final cut.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The running-time figure was listed in the brochure.
American English
- The runtime analysis is crucial for optimization.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film has a running time of two hours.
- What is the running time of this song?
- Please check the running time of the programme before you record it.
- The total running time for the journey includes a short break.
- The director had to cut several scenes to reduce the film's running time.
- Engineers are working to improve the software's running time.
- The algorithm's efficiency is judged by its running time on large datasets.
- Despite its three-hour running time, the epic held the audience's attention throughout.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a film 'running' on a projector; the 'time' it takes from start to finish is its running time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE PATH (the path the film/program 'runs' along).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'бегущее время' (which implies fleeting time). Use 'продолжительность' or 'хронометраж' for media, and 'время работы' or 'время выполнения' for computing.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'running time' to mean 'current time' (e.g., 'The running time is 3 o'clock'). Confusing with 'run time' (one word) in computing.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'running time' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most media contexts, yes, they are synonyms. However, 'running time' is more specific to the actual time something is actively operating or playing, while 'duration' can be more general.
'Running time' is the standard two-word form, especially for films and events. 'Runtime' (one word) is a common variant, particularly in American English and in computing/software contexts.
Typically, no. The running time refers to the actual performance or content length. An interval would be added to the total event time but is not part of the official running time.
Yes, it can be used for the scheduled length of a live broadcast or the estimated active play time of a sports match, though 'duration' or 'length' is equally common.