Being late can imply a sense of disorganization and lack of respect for other people's time. However, there are some synonyms that can soften the impact of the phrase and give a more positive vibe to the situation. Instead of using "are late," one can say "delayed," "running behind schedule," "arriving tardy," "behind time," "missing the deadline," or "not on time." These phrases can communicate the same idea without necessarily blaming or shaming the person who is not on time. It is important to adapt our language to the context and the audience to ensure that the message is clear and effective.