time management: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “time management” mean?
The process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
A set of principles, practices, skills, tools, and systems used to complete specific tasks, projects, and goals, often involving prioritisation, goal setting, and delegation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The compound is identical in form and use.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with corporate/business culture in American English; slightly more associated with personal development/study skills in British English contexts, though both meanings exist in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, with very high frequency in business, academic, and self-help contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “time management” in a Sentence
N + of + time management (e.g., importance of time management)Adj + time management (e.g., efficient time management)V + time management (e.g., teach time management)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “time management” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She needs to time-manage her workload more effectively.
- He is learning to time-manage his revision schedule.
American English
- You have to time-manage this project phase carefully.
- The workshop teaches students how to time-manage their studies.
adjective
British English
- The time-management course was fully booked.
- He has excellent time-management abilities.
American English
- She attended a time-management seminar.
- Good time-management practices are critical.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to systems and practices for maximising employee productivity and meeting project deadlines.
Academic
Refers to study skills, balancing coursework, research, and deadlines effectively.
Everyday
Refers to balancing work, family, hobbies, and household tasks.
Technical
In project management or software, refers to specific methodologies like Timeboxing or the Pomodoro Technique®.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “time management”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “time management”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “time management”
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a time management' is incorrect).
- Confusing with 'project management', which is broader.
- Misspelling as 'timemanagement' (should be two words or hyphenated: 'time-management').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('time management'). The hyphenated form ('time-management') is also acceptable, especially when used attributively (e.g., 'time-management skills'). The single-word form 'timemanagement' is non-standard.
Not directly. The phrase itself is a noun. However, the hyphenated form 'time-manage' can be used as a verb (e.g., 'She needs to time-manage her day'), though this is less common and more informal than saying 'manage her time'.
Time management is a specific subset of productivity. Productivity is a broader measure of output efficiency. Time management refers specifically to the methods and planning used to use time effectively as a means to achieve greater productivity.
No. While heavily emphasised in business, it applies to all areas of life including academics, personal projects, household chores, and leisure planning. It is the process of consciously planning and allocating time to activities.
The process of planning and controlling how much time to spend on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.
Time management is usually neutral to formal in register.
Time management: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪm ˌmæn.ɪdʒ.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a master of one's own time”
- “To make the clock work for you”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TIME as a resource you MANAGE, like money in a bank account (MENT). You budget it, invest it, and try not to waste it.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE (to be managed, budgeted, invested, spent, saved, wasted).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a core aspect of time management?