lagging behind schedule

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lagging behind schedule" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which progress or success is not happening as quickly as expected. For example: "We were supposed to have finished the project by now, but we are lagging behind schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"MDG target on sanitation is seriously lagging behind schedule.

Unicef

Lockheed disputed the Navy's assertions, saying the Navy is responsible for the program lagging behind schedule and running over cost.

The New York Times

The finance ministry says Greece is on track to hit this year's target of a budget surplus, before interest payments, of 1.5% of GDP.Even so, dozens of small but significant structural reforms are lagging behind schedule.

The Economist

The nation's largest public works project, the Big Dig has long been derided for its habitually rising price tag (it leveled at $14.6 billion) and for continuously lagging behind schedule (completion is now expected in spring 2005).

The New York Times

The Pan Am Sports Organization, made up of officials from 42 countries, had concerns about the two cities' ability to organize the games, particularly since the 2003 host, the Dominican Republic, is lagging behind schedule.

The New York Times - Sports

The Czech Republic has done most, but it too is lagging behind schedule.The shadow of historyDespite the missed chances and the risks still ahead, Central Europe belongs in the EU: if not on moral grounds alone, then surely on the look and feel of the market economies it has created.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Projects lagged behind schedule.

The New Yorker

The review lagged behind schedule and was published just before Christmas – six months late.

Independent

As our marketing efforts lagged behind schedule, our density numbers remained consistently flat, causing us to spend about double our projected cost to service each customer.

TechCrunch

In typical Tusco fashion, things lagged behind schedule, bands got moved around, and no one was really informed of what was going on.

Vice

But these carbon capture and sequestration projects, as they're called, have proved technically difficult to pull off: Projects like the one at question here have lagged behind schedule and cost far more than budgeted.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lagging behind schedule", clearly state the original deadline or expected completion date to provide context for the delay.

Common error

Avoid using "lagging behind" without specifying what the project or task is lagging behind. Providing specific metrics or benchmarks makes the statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lagging behind schedule" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate that something is not progressing at the expected or planned rate. This is supported by Ludwig examples that show it modifying nouns to describe projects or tasks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lagging behind schedule" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood expression used to describe situations where progress is slower than anticipated. As confirmed by Ludwig, its use is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from formal business reports to news articles. While alternatives like "falling behind schedule" or "behind target" exist, "lagging behind schedule" offers a clear and direct way to communicate delays, with its meaning consistently recognized across different registers. When employing this phrase, it’s beneficial to provide specific context to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind schedule

This alternative phrase is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of not keeping pace with the planned timeline.

not on track

This phrase directly states that the project or task is not following the planned schedule.

behind target

This option is more concise, highlighting a failure to achieve the set goal within the allocated time.

off track

This phrase is more general, indicating a deviation from the intended plan, which could include timeline issues.

delayed

This term is a simple, direct way of saying something is happening later than planned.

running late

This option focuses on the current state of being behind, rather than the overall trend.

behind the curve

This phrase suggests a failure to adopt new trends or practices in a timely manner, implying being outdated.

postponed

This term means that the schedule has been formally moved to a later time.

slipping

This option implies a gradual decline in progress, leading to a delay.

derailed

This alternative suggests a more significant disruption, implying a complete halt to progress.

FAQs

How can I use "lagging behind schedule" in a sentence?

You can use "lagging behind schedule" to describe any situation where progress is slower than planned. For instance, "The project is "lagging behind schedule" due to unforeseen complications."

What does it mean when something is "lagging behind schedule"?

It means that a task or project is not progressing at the rate initially planned and is therefore unlikely to meet its original deadline. It suggests a state of delay or being behind the expected timeline.

What are some alternative ways to say "lagging behind schedule"?

You can use alternatives like "falling behind schedule", "behind target", or "off track" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Both are correct, but "lagging behind schedule" often implies a more gradual or continuous state of being behind, whereas "behind schedule" might indicate a more specific instance or event that caused the delay. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.