Everyone has days when making it to work on time just doesn’t go as planned. No matter how prepared someone feels, unexpected issues can pop up and cause delays.
Knowing reasonable and believable excuses for being late can make these situations much less stressful. This article covers simple, practical explanations that employees can use if they show up late at the office or workplace.
1) Car broke down unexpectedly
Using car trouble as a reason for being late is common and usually believable. A mechanical problem like a flat tire or dead battery can happen suddenly, especially when commuting to work. Most employers understand that car issues are unpredictable and outside the employee’s control.
It’s important to keep the explanation simple and truthful. A quick phone call or message right away adds to the credibility. Including small details, like waiting for a tow truck or calling roadside assistance, makes the excuse seem more real. For more tips on communicating excuses, review realistic scenarios shared by others facing car trouble.
Example message to send your boss: Hi [Manager Name], I’m sorry but my car wouldn’t start this morning and I’m waiting for a tow truck now. I’ll keep you updated and get there as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding.
For professionals who rely on tools for quick work communication or task reorganization, RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard and email CRM are helpful to keep teams updated and organized in case unexpected delays happen.
2) Severe migraine hit suddenly
Severe migraines can come on without warning and make it almost impossible to focus or work. A migraine can cause intense pain, nausea, and light sensitivity, making it unsafe or very hard to handle job duties. Showing up late because of a migraine is a medically valid excuse and is recognized by many workplaces as a legitimate health issue.
It helps to let your manager or HR know as soon as possible if a migraine has caused a delay. Using a straightforward message is best. RoboApply suggests keeping the explanation clear and polite while mentioning your need for a brief recovery before starting work.
Here is one example you can use or adapt when telling your boss why you are late:
Hi [Manager Name],
I wanted to let you know that I am running late this morning because I woke up with a severe migraine. The pain was sudden and strong, which made it unsafe for me to get ready or drive right away. I am taking the steps I need to feel better and will be in as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Migraines often require medical attention or rest. Sharing honest information helps maintain trust and protects your health. If migraines are common for you, consider talking with your employer about your condition ahead of time so they are prepared. For more about how migraines can affect work, see this overview of calling in sick to work with a migraine.
3) Had to take a child to the hospital
Taking a child to the hospital is a valid reason for being late to work. Most employers will understand that medical emergencies must take priority over work commitments. It’s important to communicate the situation as soon as possible and provide a brief, clear explanation.
When using this excuse, keep your message simple and honest. You don’t need to share every medical detail, but let your boss know it was an urgent matter that required immediate attention. If needed, offer to make up the missed work or adjust your schedule.
Example message to send: Hi [Manager’s Name], I had to take my child to the hospital early this morning due to a sudden illness. I wanted to let you know as soon as I could. I will be a bit late but will make sure to catch up on my tasks today. Thank you for understanding.
For any written work communication, using a tool like RoboApply’s AI message builder can help craft clear, professional notifications quickly. This can reduce stress in emergency situations and make communication with your manager seamless. For more ideas on how to notify work, see examples of acceptable excuses for being late at wikiHow and Indeed.
4) Public transit delay due to accident
Getting to work on time can be tough when public transit faces sudden delays, especially after an accident. Delays caused by train or bus accidents are beyond a person’s control and are widely recognized as a reasonable excuse by most employers. The key is to let your supervisor know as soon as possible and provide honest, specific details about what happened.
This type of excuse is commonly accepted because transit delays are documented and usually affect many people. If needed, employees can show service update alerts from transit authorities, which helps prove the situation was out of their hands. For those who depend on public transportation every day, it’s useful to check real-time updates and communicate early.
Here’s a full-length example for reference:
Hi [Supervisor’s Name],
I wanted to let you know that I’ll be late today due to a train accident on my line. The transit authority reported all trains are delayed, and the expected wait is about 30 minutes. I’ll get to the office as soon as service resumes and will keep you updated if anything changes. Thank you for understanding.
If someone needs help wording notifications like this, RoboApply’s AI tools can suggest clear messages and professional communication templates. This saves time and helps make a good impression when reporting unavoidable delays. For more about acceptable transport excuses, check out expert advice on traffic and transit delays.
5) Family emergency arose
A family emergency is one of the most accepted reasons for being late to work. Emergencies happen without warning. Most workplaces understand that personal issues are sometimes out of anyone’s control. You do not need to share private details with your manager. Just let them know you have a serious issue you need to take care of right away.
If you use an excuse like this, you should notify your supervisor as soon as possible. This shows respect for the team’s time and workload. You may also want to let them know when you expect to arrive and, if possible, send a follow-up update.
Using a reliable tool such as RoboApply can help organize messages and schedules if you must leave quickly because of a family emergency. Its email CRM makes contacting your boss simple and trackable. This can reduce stress if you need to manage work communication while away.
Here is a plain-text example you can use:
Hi [Manager Name],
I wanted to let you know that a family emergency has come up, and I need to handle it right away. I’m not sure how long it will take, but I will update you as soon as I can. Thank you for understanding.
6) Overslept despite alarm
Oversleeping is a common reason for being late to work. Even with an alarm set, it is possible to accidentally sleep through it, especially after a late night or during periods of heavy stress. Many people find that being honest about this reason is more likely to be accepted than making up a complicated excuse.
A clear, straightforward way to explain this is to tell your manager as soon as possible. A simple message can be enough to show responsibility and avoid misunderstandings. Most workplaces would rather hear the truth than an obviously fake story.
Here is a copy-and-paste example you can use:
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I apologize for being late this morning. My alarm didn’t wake me up and I ended up oversleeping. I’m on my way and will be at work as soon as possible. I understand the importance of being on time and will make changes to prevent this from happening again. Thank you for your understanding.
If you are applying for jobs or want to improve communication, RoboApply offers tools like an AI cover letter builder, grammar checker, and email templates. These features can help you write clear and professional messages whether you’re following up after being late or reaching out about new opportunities. For more workplace communication tips, you can check sites that discuss what to do if you have overslept for work and need help handling the situation.
7) Food poisoning struck in the morning
Food poisoning is a common and believable excuse for being late to work. Many employers understand that this can happen suddenly, especially if symptoms appear in the morning. Because food poisoning can be very unpleasant and even contagious, most managers will not ask too many questions and will prefer you take the time you need to recover.
If you need to explain your delay, keep your message simple and clear. There is no need for too many personal details. Here’s a practical example you can use as a template when notifying your manager or supervisor:
“Hi [Manager Name], I wanted to let you know that I have come down with food poisoning this morning. I am not feeling well and may be a bit late while I take care of myself. I will keep you updated if anything changes, and I appreciate your understanding.”
If you keep getting sick or need help tracking absences and schedules, it helps to use tools that make communication clear. RoboApply’s dashboard and messaging tools can help keep your documentation organized, send quick absence updates, and even log your total sick or late days automatically. This saves you time and prevents misunderstandings later on.
For more tips and examples of using this excuse, check out suggestions on how to communicate about food poisoning at work.
8) Stuck in traffic jam from an accident
Getting stuck in a traffic jam caused by an accident is a common and understandable reason for being late to work. Accidents can block lanes and slow down traffic for miles, making it hard to predict how long the delay will last. Most employers understand that nobody can control serious traffic situations like these.
It helps to let your boss know as soon as possible. Send a message or call your workplace to explain the situation once it’s safe to do so. Clear communication shows responsibility and helps your manager plan for your late arrival.
A real example you can use: “Hi [Manager’s Name], I wanted to let you know I’m running late this morning. There was a serious accident on my usual route and the traffic is not moving. I’ll be there as soon as possible. Sorry for the delay and thank you for understanding.”
Planning ahead by checking traffic apps or leaving early for important days can help, but some accidents are impossible to predict. Using tools like RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard can keep your schedule organized, so sudden situations like this are easier to manage without extra stress.
If heavy traffic is a regular problem, it’s smart to talk with your boss about options, such as flexible start times or remote work days. You can find more suggestions for handling traffic delays at sites that offer good excuses for being late.
9) Power outage delayed morning routine
A power outage can make it tough to get ready for work on time. When there’s no electricity, alarms, lights, and even getting dressed or making breakfast can be delayed. If someone’s home lost power in the morning, it’s reasonable to let a manager know that is why they are running late.
Employers usually understand that power outages are beyond control. It helps to communicate as soon as possible, explain the situation, and give an estimated arrival time. This shows responsibility and respect for team schedules.
Here’s a sample message to use: “Hi [Manager Name], I wanted to let you know that a power outage at my home this morning delayed my routine and made it hard to get ready for work on time. I am on my way now and expect to arrive by [new arrival time]. Thank you for understanding.”
For those who apply for jobs or need polished communication fast, RoboApply can help generate clear, professional messages for these situations. Their platform offers instant templates and tips for urgent work emails. Using a reliable tool like RoboApply helps keep workplace communication smooth and stress-free.
In case you want more details or ideas, you can read about power outage excuses on this list of creative last-minute excuses.
10) Pet emergency required immediate attention
A sudden pet emergency can make someone late for work, especially if their pet is sick, injured, or needs urgent help. Most workplaces understand that caring for a pet in a crisis is an unavoidable delay. Employers usually show understanding if the communication is honest and prompt.
If a pet needs to see a vet because of severe bleeding, choking, or another serious health problem, it is important to leave quickly. Some examples of true emergencies include pets that eat something poisonous, have seizures, or are unable to breathe. For more about urgent animal issues, check out these 13 common pet emergencies that need immediate attention.
When calling in, keep the explanation clear and simple. For example, someone might send this message:
“I’m sorry for the late notice, but my dog is having trouble breathing and I need to get her to the emergency vet right now. I will keep you updated and will come in as soon as I can.”
Those who regularly face pet emergencies may find it useful to organize their messages or time-off requests. RoboApply can help keep communication templates handy for these situations. Having a pre-written message ready saves time during stressful moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bosses expect honest, clear communication when someone is running late. Providing specific, valid reasons with timely updates can help limit negative effects on work or reputation.
What are some believable excuses for arriving late to work?
Believable excuses include your car breaking down, a major public transit delay caused by an accident, or a sudden migraine. Family emergencies and needing to take a child to the hospital are also legitimate. Employers often find these explanations more acceptable when explained directly and backed up with details. See more ideas for credible reasons at CareerAddict’s guide to valid late excuses.
How can I explain being two hours late to work professionally?
The best way is to keep your explanation honest and brief. Use specific events, such as a car breakdown or urgent family emergency, and let your employer know as soon as possible. If using a tool like RoboApply’s email CRM, it is easy to send clear messages quickly to your boss or HR department.
What are acceptable last-minute reasons for tardiness at work?
Common last-minute reasons are waking up very ill (like a severe migraine), sudden childcare emergencies, or unexpected transportation issues. Public transit delays and urgent family needs are among the most frequently accepted last-minute explanations. For a list of examples and best practices, see Indeed’s article about excuses for being late.
How should one communicate to their employer about being late to work from home?
It helps to send a direct message or email as soon as you realize you will be late. Keep the message short and include the reason—like home internet outages or an unexpected emergency. RoboApply’s email CRM can help draft quick, professional updates to keep communication clear.
What are convincing reasons to justify being late to school?
Convincing reasons include feeling ill, a family emergency, transportation delays, or needing to help a sibling or parent in an emergency. As with work, being honest and providing details increases the chance that teachers or school administrators accept the excuse.
How do you compose a letter regarding tardiness to work?
Begin by stating the date and the reason for being late, keep your language clear, and apologize for any inconvenience. Mention steps you took to resolve the issue and express commitment to being punctual in the future. RoboApply can help generate clean, professional templates for these types of letters, saving time and ensuring your message meets workplace standards.
