straggler

USAGE SUMMARY

The word straggler is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is late or lagging behind, or a group of people who are separated from the larger group and not keeping up with them. For example: "The teacher waited for the stragglers so they could all walk to the class together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Having won the war against the Taliban, they can afford to concentrate less on tracking down every enemy straggler or al-Qaeda member still in the country, more on avoiding accidents that undermine the government their victory produced.

The Economist

That said, though, winning an Oscar can do wonders for a straggler.

The Economist

Ireland seemed doomed to be western Europe's straggler: "The poorest of the rich" was the title of a 1988 survey by The Economist.Yet from this adversity sprang the Celtic tiger, Europe's unlikely answer to the fast-growing economies of Asia.

The Economist

It would be bluer than it should be and would be of a type known to astronomers as a "blue straggler".

The Economist

The first is the so-called "blue straggler" problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A possible explanation is that a blue straggler is the coalescence of two lower-mass stars in a "born-again" scenario that turned them into a single, more-massive, and seemingly younger star farther up the main sequence, although this does not fit all cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A straggler to the left of the group who appears to have been drinking since the five French players arrived in January, swears repeatedly at the television.

Independent

She watched us as a tumbling ball of three cubs made an erratic progress to greet her, then continue out of sight, waiting for the fourth straggler before herself jogging beyond view.

Independent

Ryan felt like a straggler, hopelessly behind on his education, having lost more than three years of his life.

The New Yorker

Newt Gingrich, who Hendrik Hertzberg calls a straggler and a visiting lecturer in his latest & 8220Rick-Ratings & 8220Rick-Ratingsd his campaign to Walmart, suggesting that it is poised to grow dramatically (or something).

The New Yorker

"Hump yourself, you Government swindler," a picket from a three-year regiment told a straggler from the nine-month 132nd Pennsylvania, "take your bounty-full carcass out of my sight!" The militiamen were derided as "poor stuff," "complete government robbers," and "the Pick Nic party".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "straggler", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of lagging behind, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, in a race, it refers to someone falling behind, while in business, it could refer to a project failing to meet deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "straggler" in contexts where a positive attribute is intended. "Straggler" typically carries a negative connotation of being left behind or not keeping up. Instead, use words like "pioneer" or "trailblazer" to describe someone who stands out in a positive way.

Linguistic Context

The noun "straggler" primarily functions as a descriptor, identifying an individual or entity that lags behind or is separated from a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, aligning with examples where it denotes someone falling behind or something delayed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "straggler" is a noun used to describe someone or something that lags behind or is isolated from a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and fairly common. It's predominantly used in News & Media contexts, followed by Encyclopedias and Science, indicating a range from neutral reporting to specific scientific terminology. When using "straggler", it's essential to consider the context to avoid negative connotations in situations requiring positive descriptions. Alternative terms such as ""laggard"" or ""outlier"" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laggard

A direct synonym, implying slowness or unwillingness to keep pace.

dawdler

Implies a leisurely pace and a tendency to waste time.

lagging individual

Focuses on the act of lagging rather than the state of being behind.

stray

Suggests wandering or deviating from the intended path.

trailer

Focuses on following behind, similar to a trailer behind a vehicle.

rear guard

Emphasizes the position at the back of a group, often implying a protective role.

holdback

Emphasizes the act of being held back or restrained.

outlier

Highlights the deviation from the main group or trend.

isolate

Stresses the separation and loneliness of being apart from others.

lone wolf

Highlights independence and preference for being alone.

FAQs

How can I use "straggler" in a sentence?

You can use "straggler" to refer to someone who falls behind a group, as in, "The teacher waited for the last "straggler" to catch up before continuing the tour". It can also refer to something that is late or behind schedule.

What's a good alternative to the word "straggler"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "laggard", "dawdler", or "outlier" to replace "straggler".

Is it always negative to be called a "straggler"?

Generally, yes. "Straggler" implies falling behind or being less successful compared to others. However, the intent and context can soften the negativity. Sometimes it's just a descriptive term, not necessarily an insult.

What does "blue straggler" mean in astronomy?

In astronomy, a "blue "blue straggler"" is a star in a star cluster that is hotter and bluer than other stars of the same age. It is thought to be formed by the merger of two or more stars.