Meaning
It is better to do something late or arrive after the scheduled time than not to do or arrive at all.
It is used to express relief or encouragement when an overdue action finally occurs.
Origin
One of the oldest proverbs in Western culture. It appears in Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale’ (c. 1386) and traces back to Latin literature (Livy’s History of Rome: ‘potius sero quam nunquam’).
Examples
He finally submitted his homework three days after the deadline, but better late than never.
Thank you for calling me back; better late than never!
She decided to go to university at the age of forty—better late than never.
A: Sorry I’m joining the zoom call twenty minutes late!
B: No worries, better late than never!
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Better late than never' mean?
It is better to do something late or arrive after the scheduled time than not to do or arrive at all.
It is used to express relief or encouragement when an overdue action finally occurs.