it was lagging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was lagging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something, such as a device or application, was slow to respond or function properly. Example: "During the video call, it was lagging, making it difficult to have a smooth conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She said that while HTC had been able to boost its production numbers, it was lagging behind competition when it came to distributing its phones effectively.

BBC

But that approach was jettisoned last year after Burnett, the world's 13th-largest agency company, with billings of $6 billion, became bedeviled by lost accounts, turmoil in the executive suite and a palpable belief that it was lagging behind its big rivals in revamping to reflect the industry's radical transformation.

The New York Times

By the time the cabinet was sufficiently united to commit itself to the conflict, it was lagging behind the weight of public opinion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Scottish Labour conceded the polls showed it was lagging behind the SNP, but insisted that electing SNP MPs would only help the Tories by denying Labour a Westminster majority.

The Guardian

When Graham Henry became Wales's coach in 1998 he remarked that while Wales could rival New Zealand for talent, it was lagging behind when it came to player skills.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're the model pupil in the classroom, but the class is doing really badly," he said, pointing out that Finland's current account was now in deficit for the first time since the dark days of the early 1990s, and that it was lagging behind Sweden, the big brother over the border who kept out of the euro, on several other measures, too.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Los Angeles is not the only city with a housing shortage, but it is lagging furthest behind its population growth.

Los Angeles Times

CME has revised its model to be more palatable to the banks but it is lagging.

The Economist

Even so, it is lagging behind others.

The Economist

"But on treatment, it is lagging unconscionably," Mr. Lewis wrote.

The New York Times

At the moment it's lagging some way behind.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was lagging", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

While "it was lagging" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal settings. Simpler terms like "it was slow" may be more appropriate for casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was lagging" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that something or someone was not keeping pace or was falling behind relative to expectations or competitors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was lagging" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for indicating underperformance or falling behind. Ludwig AI indicates that it finds frequent use in News & Media. It fits well in neutral to professional contexts, as it objectively describes a state of deficiency. For informal settings, consider simpler alternatives. Remember to clearly define what "it" refers to when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was falling behind

Emphasizes the action of losing ground relative to others.

it was lagging behind schedule

Adds specificity by mentioning a missed timeline or deadline.

it was trailing

Suggests a position following others, often in a competitive sense.

it was not keeping pace

Highlights the inability to maintain the same rate of progress.

it was underperforming

Focuses on not meeting expected performance standards.

it was deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage in a particular quality or aspect.

it was struggling

Implies difficulty and effort in maintaining progress.

it was slow

Indicates a lack of speed or promptness in performance.

it was in arrears

Suggests being overdue or behind in payments or obligations.

it was dawdling

Implies slow and inefficient progress.

FAQs

What does "it was lagging" mean?

The phrase "it was lagging" means something was falling behind or not performing as expected. It implies a slower pace or a deficiency in progress compared to a benchmark or expectation.

What can I say instead of "it was lagging"?

You can use alternatives like "it was falling behind", "it was trailing", or "it was slow" depending on the specific context.

Is "it was lagging" formal or informal?

"It was lagging" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, such as news reports or business communications. However, simpler terms might be preferred in very informal settings.

How to use "it was lagging" in a sentence?

You can use "it was lagging" to describe the performance of a product, a company, or a process. For example: "The company's sales figures showed that "it was underperforming" compared to its competitors."