falling behind the rest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling behind the rest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is not keeping up with others in terms of progress, performance, or development. Example: "In the competitive market, our company is falling behind the rest, and we need to innovate to catch up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Rather, it is crucial to stop them falling behind the rest of the world.

The Guardian

The United States has been falling behind the rest of the world in pursuing trade agreements.

The New York Times

"For many years, New York City was falling behind the rest of the country," Mr. Giuliani said.

The New York Times

Asked why they favored foreign locations, the respondents listed the areas in which they saw America falling behind the rest of the world.

Harvard Business Review

But a closer look at indicators for measuring development finds that most countries in Africa are actually falling behind the rest of the developing world.

The Guardian

Neither of my parents went to college, and in Rust Belt regions like the middle of Michigan, education is falling behind the rest of the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

By the time that Patty and I fell behind, the rest of the world was falling apart so fast that Chase barely had time for us.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So we're in a position where we could easily fall behind the rest of the UK". Dr Viviane Gravey lectures in European politics in Queen's University and specialises in agriculture and environmental policy.

BBC

What worries business leaders is that the United States could easily fall behind as the rest of the world prospers.

The Washington Post

Many have fallen behind the rest of the country.

The Economist

In this regard, the United States has fallen behind the rest of the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific metrics or examples to illustrate how something is "falling behind the rest". This adds credibility and clarity to your argument.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping generalizations when using the phrase "falling behind the rest". Always specify which group is being used as the benchmark for comparison to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling behind the rest" functions as a verb phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of lagging or failing to keep pace with a specified group. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this common expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling behind the rest" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates a state of lagging or failing to keep pace with others. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and frequent use across various reputable sources. Its primary function is to express concern or warning about a decline in performance or competitiveness. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, business, and academic discussions. When using the phrase, it is essential to clearly identify the reference group and provide specific examples to support the claim. Alternatives like "lagging behind the others" or "trailing the competition" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lagging behind the others

Replaces "rest" with "others", maintaining the overall meaning but with a slightly less formal tone.

trailing the competition

Focuses on a competitive scenario, suggesting a slower pace compared to rivals.

slipping in comparison

Emphasizes a decline in relative standing, implying a previous higher position.

losing ground relative to others

Highlights the loss of progress compared to a reference group, suggesting a previous equality or advantage.

not keeping pace

Indicates an inability to maintain the same rate of advancement as others.

becoming uncompetitive

Focuses on the potential consequences of not keeping up, specifically in a business context.

declining relative standing

More formal and technical, suitable for analytical reports and academic papers.

failing to measure up

Implies a deficiency in meeting a certain standard or expectation.

getting left in the dust

A more figurative way of saying being far behind, often used in informal contexts.

missing the boat

Suggests a lost opportunity due to being late or unprepared, less focused on continuous comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "falling behind the rest" in a sentence?

You can use "falling behind the rest" to describe a situation where something or someone is not progressing as quickly as others. For instance, "If we don't invest in new technology, our company risks "falling behind the rest" of the industry".

What are some alternatives to "falling behind the rest"?

Some alternatives include "lagging behind the others", "trailing the competition", or "slipping in comparison". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "falling behind the rest of the world" or "falling behind the world"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "falling behind the rest of the world" is more precise because it specifies that the comparison is to the remainder of the world, not necessarily the entire world including the subject itself. "Falling behind the world" is acceptable but slightly less clear.

What does it mean when someone says a country is "falling behind the rest" in education?

It typically means that the country's educational standards, student performance, or investment in education are not keeping pace with other leading nations. This can be measured by international test scores, graduation rates, and other metrics.