lagging in development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lagging in development" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is behind in terms of progress or growth. For example: "The small town has been lagging in development compared to other nearby cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

Children's development

Economic development

Digital development

Cognitive development

Product development

Industrial development

Technology development

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Children living in what the government calls "precarious housing" — including those hotels and motels — tend to have a litany of problems, from lagging in development and academics to an increase in asthma and depression.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Appalachia was identified as one of the regions in the United States that was severely lagging in economic development.

Britannica

It will roughly double what Intel is spending annually on training and technology support in places lagging in digital development, Mr. Otellini said in a telephone interview on Monday.

The New York Times - Tech

It is possible that the observed relationships are circular and that, even if higher emotional difficulties impede cognitive development, lags in cognitive development in turn may heighten emotional difficulties.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

African countries are lagging behind in development because their investment in science remains low.

The Guardian

Without a steady stream of well-articulated adult speech, an infant might lag in its development.

The New Yorker

Critics have said both automakers have lagged in product development in recent years, particularly in their car lines.

The New York Times

She correctly acknowledged that genetics partly affects test results, but there are also genetically influenced "spurts" and "lags" in mental development.

The New York Times

Minor agricultural species, such as white clover, often lag in the development of genomics resources.

BMC Genomics

The field of nephrology has lagged in the development of diagnostic technology.

Critical Care

Many poor youngsters arrive for kindergarten lagging in vocabulary and cognitive development.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lagging in development", consider the specific area or aspect of development you are referring to for clarity. For example, specify "lagging in economic development" or "lagging in cognitive development".

Common error

Avoid using "lagging in development" without specifying the context. Saying a country is "lagging in development" is too broad; instead, specify "lagging in infrastructure development" or "lagging in technological development" to be more precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lagging in development" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is behind in progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's usable in written English and follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lagging in development" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies being behind in progress, growth, or advancement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard English grammar. While "lagging in development" can be used in various contexts, specifying the area of development enhances clarity. It is mostly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, being of neutral/professional register. Common errors include overgeneralization, which can be avoided by specifying the subject's area of lag. Semantically, phrases like "behind in development" and "slow in progress" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

behind in development

Indicates a state of being less advanced compared to others. Focus is on the state of being.

falling behind in growth

Implies a continuous decline in comparison to an standard or other object.

slow in progress

Emphasizes the rate of advancement is slower than expected. It doesn't necessary address the state of the subject.

underdeveloped

Implies a lack of full growth or maturity. Focuses more on the completed result.

deficient in advancement

Highlights a lack or inadequacy in reaching a higher level or stage.

delayed in progress

Highlights that the expected timeline has been shifted and the subject is not on schedule.

stunted growth

Suggests a limited or hindered increase in size or maturity. Focuses on a specific growth aspect.

retarded development

Indicates a slower rate of progression than expected. This alternative is less common due to its negative connotations.

limited in expansion

Implies constraints on extending or increasing in size or scope.

hampered progress

Focuses on something impeding advancement and does not describe the state of subject.

FAQs

What does "lagging in development" mean?

The phrase "lagging in development" indicates that something is behind or not progressing as quickly as expected in terms of growth, advancement, or maturity. It suggests a state of being less advanced compared to a standard or other entities.

How can I use "lagging in development" in a sentence?

You can use "lagging in development" to describe various situations. For example: "The rural areas are "lagging in development" compared to urban centers" or "The company's product line is "lagging in development" relative to its competitors".

What are some alternatives to "lagging in development"?

Alternatives to "lagging in development" include phrases like "behind in development", "slow in progress", or "underdeveloped", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "lagging in development" in formal writing?

Yes, "lagging in development" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure that the context is clear and specific. For example, instead of stating "the country is lagging", specify "the country is "lagging in economic development"".