behind the curve

USAGE SUMMARY

"behind the curve" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as a metaphor to mean someone or something is not keeping up with current trends or developments. For example, "Not knowing how to use the latest technology has left her behind the curve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

You can't be behind the curve".

The New York Times

"The prison system is behind the curve.

The Guardian

Even ahead is behind the curve.

The New York Times

"I believe they are behind the curve".

The New York Times

The UK is behind the curve here.

The Guardian

He has been behind the curve.

The Guardian

"We're behind the curve on rental housing".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The fact that I don't have instagram makes me feel so behind the curve.

Huffington Post

"I am just behind the curve".

The New York Times

Mahbubani: Governments unfortunately are behind the curve.

Forbes

Today, Microsoft is way behind the curve.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "behind the curve", ensure you clearly specify what area or trend someone is lagging in to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "behind the curve" when a situation requires urgent action or immediate solutions; instead, opt for phrases that convey urgency, such as "critical" or "time-sensitive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behind the curve" functions as an adverbial phrase or predicate adjective, modifying a subject to indicate a state of being outdated or not keeping pace with current developments. Ludwig shows many examples where it describes individuals, organizations, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "behind the curve" is a common idiom indicating a state of being outdated or not keeping pace with current trends. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent appearance in news and business contexts. Alternative phrases include "out of touch" and "lagging behind", each with slightly different nuances. When using the phrase, ensure the area of deficiency is clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind

Similar to lagging behind, but suggests a continuous process.

lagging behind

Emphasizes the act of falling behind in progress or development.

not up to speed

Focuses on lacking the necessary knowledge or information.

not keeping pace

Emphasizes the failure to maintain the same rate of progress.

out of touch

Focuses more on a lack of awareness or understanding of current trends.

behind the times

A more general expression for being outdated in one's thinking or knowledge.

outdated

Highlights the state of being old-fashioned or obsolete.

losing ground

Suggests a decline in position or advantage compared to others.

in the dark

Implies a lack of awareness of important information or developments.

missing the boat

Suggests failing to take advantage of an opportunity or trend.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "behind the curve"?

Being "behind the curve" means not being up to date with the latest trends, information, or developments in a particular area. It suggests a state of lagging or being less advanced compared to others.

How can I avoid falling "behind the curve" in my industry?

To avoid falling "behind the curve", stay informed by reading industry publications, attending conferences, networking with professionals, and continuously learning new skills.

What's a less common alternative to "behind the curve"?

A less common alternative to "behind the curve" is "not up to speed", which also suggests a lack of current knowledge or expertise.

Is it better to be "behind the curve" or "ahead of the curve"?

It's generally more advantageous to be "ahead of the curve", as it indicates being innovative and prepared for future developments, while "behind the curve" suggests a disadvantage due to being outdated.