slower than anticipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slower than anticipated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or process that is taking more time than expected. Example: "The project is progressing slower than anticipated, which may affect our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

But progress has been far slower than anticipated.

The New York Times

"The rate of progress in development of foundation and installation technology has been slower than anticipated".

The Guardian - Business

The pace of fiscal consolidation has been slower than anticipated, meaning over 40% has been deferred to the next parliament.

The Guardian

"The digital rollout has been slower than anticipated, but I think with this digital product, they're positioned for a turnaround".

The New York Times

REBOUNDS KENDALL GILL, who had surgery on his knee Feb. 6, said his rehabilitation was going slower than anticipated.

The New York Times - Sports

It notes that some pipeline decisions have been slower than anticipated, but still expects most to convert this year.

The Guardian - Business

"We're making steady, if perhaps a bit slower than anticipated, progress," Admiral Mullen said at a news conference.

The New York Times

The review panels cite scientific and technological progress but also say that progress has been slower than anticipated.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Globally, oil prices are falling, partly because North America, Libya, Iraq, and others are producing more oil, and partly because forecasters expect lower demand for it amid slower-than-anticipated economic growth.

The New Yorker

In December, Intrado lowered guidance for revenue and earnings, blaming "product delivery delays and slower-than-anticipated new product penetration".

The New York Times

Instead, Osborne is boxed in by a combination of slower-than-anticipated deficit reduction and OBR independence.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slower than anticipated", ensure that the context clearly establishes what was initially expected. This helps the reader understand the deviation from the original plan or forecast.

Common error

Avoid using "slower than anticipated" without specifying the original expectation. For example, instead of saying "Sales were slower than anticipated", specify "Sales in Q3 were slower than anticipated compared to Q2 projections."

How to use

Learn how to use "slower than anticipated" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slower than anticipated" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It describes the rate or speed at which an action or process is occurring, indicating that it is not meeting the expected pace. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in modifying verbs or clauses to express this deviation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slower than anticipated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is progressing at a rate slower than initially expected. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, notably in news, scientific, and business domains. While alternatives such as "more delayed than expected" or "not as quickly as predicted" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the original expectation is clearly established to provide context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various professional and informative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as quickly as predicted

Directly contrasts the actual speed with a previous prediction.

more delayed than expected

Emphasizes the aspect of postponement or holding back more strongly.

taking longer than projected

Highlights the extended duration compared to an initial projection.

behind schedule

Implies a specific timeline or plan is not being met.

less rapid than initially thought

Emphasizes the contrast between the actual pace and the initial perception.

progressed more gradually than foreseen

Focuses on the gradual nature of progress, highlighting a more gentle pace.

lagging behind expectations

Indicates a failure to meet certain performance benchmarks or hopes.

advancing at a reduced rate

Focuses on the reduced speed of advancement or forward movement.

moving at a leisurely pace

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried tempo, possibly implying a lack of urgency.

developing more deliberately than expected

Implies a conscious choice for a slower, more thoughtful development process.

FAQs

How can I use "slower than anticipated" in a sentence?

You can use "slower than anticipated" to describe a process or event that is taking more time than expected. For example: "The project's progress is "slower than anticipated", which may impact the final delivery date."

What are some alternatives to saying "slower than anticipated"?

Alternatives include "more delayed than expected", "not as quickly as predicted", or "behind schedule", depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to describe something as "slower than anticipated"?

While often used in contexts where delays are problematic, describing something as "slower than anticipated" isn't inherently negative. It simply indicates a difference between expectation and reality, which could sometimes be neutral or even beneficial, such as in a controlled scientific experiment.

When should I use "slower than anticipated" versus "slower than expected"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Anticipated" often suggests a more formal or planned expectation, while "expected" can be more general. The choice depends on the context and desired tone. They are very similar in meaning and implications.