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Common collocations with delay in American Collocation

delay noun

US /dɪˈleɪ/

long

considerable
endless
inordinate
interminable
lengthy
long
serious
significant

The airport reported lengthy flight delays caused by the snow.

not necessary or reasonable

avoidable
excessive
inexcusable
unacceptable
undue
unnecessary
unreasonable

We will carry out the building work without undue delay.

short

minimal
short
slight

There may be a slight delay while your details are checked.

not expected

unexpected
unforeseen

There are often unforeseen delays and interruptions.

impossible to avoid

inevitable
unavoidable

This time limit may only be extended in exceptional cases, where delay is unavoidable due to illness.

more

further

Here I am still sitting in the lounge with further delays caused by an electrical problem on the plane.

of mail or transport

airport
flight
postal
traffic
train
travel

She lost two days from her holiday because of flight delays.

causing loss of money

costly

Good initial planning will help you avoid costly delays later on.

cause a delay

cause
create
introduce
lead to
mean
result in

Please ask the receptionist to check, even if it means a short delay.

avoid a delay

avoid
prevent

To avoid delays in registration please complete the application form in full.

experience a delay

encounter
experience
face
incur
suffer

The project has not experienced any major delays.

reduce delays

eliminate
minimize
reduce

Waiting lists are kept short in order to minimize delays.