lagging behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lagging behind" 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 or development. Example: "In the race for technological advancement, our company is lagging behind our competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other sectors are still lagging behind, though.

The Guardian - Business

"India is lagging behind," he said.

Science Magazine

"MDG target on sanitation is seriously lagging behind schedule.

Unicef

"Hedi's lagging behind.

The New Yorker

Lithuania is still lagging behind.

The Economist

Latinos are lagging behind".

The New York Times - Arts

Even so, it is lagging behind others.

The Economist

But the legal system is lagging behind.

The Economist

Wages are lagging behind inflation.

The New York Times

Not all sports are lagging behind, however.

Independent

Banks ahead, American taxpayers lagging behind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lagging behind", ensure the subject and the reference point are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is lagging and what it is lagging behind in.

Common error

Avoid using "lagging behind" without specifying the benchmark or standard. Ensure the reader understands what the subject is not keeping pace with.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lagging behind" functions as a compound verb describing a state of not keeping pace or being less advanced compared to others. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse subjects, highlighting the pervasive nature of this comparative assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lagging behind" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the state of not keeping pace or being less advanced than others. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for use across various contexts, including news, business, and science. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to clearly define the subject and the benchmark. While interchangeable with phrases like "falling behind" and "trailing behind", "lagging behind" effectively communicates a comparative deficiency in progress or performance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind

This alternative emphasizes the action of losing ground relative to others.

trailing behind

This alternative suggests a position at the rear, implying a lack of progress.

being outpaced

This alternative focuses on the act of others moving faster.

not keeping up

This alternative directly addresses the inability to maintain the same level of progress.

getting left behind

This alternative stresses the risk of being abandoned or overlooked.

remaining behind

This alternative highlights the state of staying in a lower position.

slowing down

This alternative indicates a decrease in speed or progress, leading to a delayed state.

losing ground

This alternative implies a decline in position or advantage.

in arrears

This alternative points to a state of being overdue or delayed, especially in payments or obligations.

off track

This alternative indicates a deviation from the intended path or schedule.

FAQs

What does "lagging behind" mean?

"Lagging behind" means not progressing as quickly as others or being in a less advanced state compared to a reference point.

What can I say instead of "lagging behind"?

You can use alternatives like "falling behind", "trailing behind", or "not keeping up" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "falling behind" or "lagging behind"?

Both "falling behind" and "lagging behind" are correct and often interchangeable. "Falling behind" emphasizes the action of losing ground, while "lagging behind" describes the state of being behind.

How to use "lagging behind" in a sentence?

You can use "lagging behind" to describe various scenarios, such as: "Our company is lagging behind in innovation" or "Some students are lagging behind in reading skills".