slipping behind target

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slipping behind target" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is failing to meet a goal or deadline. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is slipping behind target and we need to reassess our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who is slipping behind?

Stanford University

Working people are slipping behind.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Slipping behind Shanghai" is hardly a vote-winning slogan.

The Economist

Like the NIF, it appears to be slipping behind schedule.

The Economist

"Sorry I'm late," Viola said, slipping behind the bar.

The New York Times

"What concerns our panel is why, for decades, we have been slipping behind".

The New York Times

They warned: "The UK is slipping behind while competitors across the globe are making progress".

Independent

At the same time, there is a sense that Wales is slipping behind.

The New York Times - Sports

The sun was slipping behind the mountains and the temperature began to drop dramatically.

The New York Times - Travel

As a continent we are slipping behind, growing less fast than the rest of the world.

The Economist

As it stands, Belgium are slipping behind Cyprus.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when you want to convey a sense of urgency or concern about not meeting a specific goal.

Common error

Avoid using "slipping behind target" interchangeably with phrases like "missing the target" or "failing to achieve the goal". "Slipping behind target" implies a gradual decline, whereas the others can refer to a single, definitive failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slipping behind target" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a progressive failure to meet a predetermined objective. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slipping behind target" describes a situation where progress is not on track to meet a defined goal. Although Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, there is a lack of real-world examples in the provided search data, which makes it difficult to gauge its frequency and typical contexts. Alternatives like "falling short of the goal" or "lagging behind schedule" may be more commonly used. When using this phrase, ensure the target is clearly defined for unambiguous communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Falling short of the goal

Emphasizes not reaching a specific objective.

Missing the mark

Highlights the failure to achieve a desired outcome.

Not meeting expectations

Focuses on failing to satisfy anticipated standards.

Lagging behind schedule

Specific to timelines and project management, indicating delays.

Off track

Suggests a deviation from the intended course of action.

Not on pace

Indicates a failure to maintain the required speed or progress.

Behind the curve

Implies being outdated or not keeping up with current trends.

Losing ground

Suggests a decrease in advantage or progress compared to others.

Deteriorating progress

Describes a declining rate of improvement.

Backsliding

Suggests a return to a worse state after a period of improvement.

FAQs

How can I use "slipping behind target" in a sentence?

You can use "slipping behind target" to describe a project, a person, or even a country that is not meeting its expected goals. For example: "The project is "slipping behind target" due to unforeseen delays."

What are some alternatives to saying "slipping behind target"?

Alternatives to "slipping behind target" include phrases like "falling short of the goal", "lagging behind schedule", or "not meeting expectations". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "slipping behind target"?

Yes, "slipping behind target" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It accurately conveys the idea of progressively failing to meet a defined objective.

What does it mean for something to be "slipping behind target"?

When something is "slipping behind target", it means that progress is not being made at the expected rate, and there is a risk of not achieving the desired outcome or goal within the established timeframe.