we are lagging behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are lagging behind" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which someone or a group is trailing or falling behind in terms of progress or achievement. For example, "We are lagging behind our competitors in terms of market share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Here in England we are lagging behind your American good practices of dealing with our trash.

The Guardian - Film

we see that really we are lagging behind in the economy...

The New York Times

Many Australians will feel ashamed that our international reputation is suffering and will suffer more because we are lagging behind comparable countries.

The Guardian

"We need to study foreign coaching techniques in great detail because we are lagging behind," said Middlesbrough's head of recruitment, Ron Bone.

The Guardian - Sport

I like to think of the US as a pillar of leadership in a lot of ways but there are ways in which we are lagging behind, one of which is a succession plan and stable coaching.

The Guardian - Sport

The health minister, Paul Burstow, said: "In England we are lagging behind European countries when it comes to the common but big killer cancers such as breast, bowel and lung.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Yet the idea that a top-down modernisation is the only option available to Russia still dominates the minds of its rulers".We are lagging behind the leading countries by some 50-100 years.

The Economist

"Some people thought we were lagging behind other countries.

The Guardian - Business

But in the UK, we're lagging behind.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The USA has cottoned on to this readily, but we're lagging behind in the UK.

The Guardian

Because, frankly, if we're lagging behind in math and science, we're not doing all that much better in reading and writing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are lagging behind", specify the area in which you are behind. For example, "We are lagging behind in renewable energy adoption."

Common error

Avoid using "we are lagging behind" without specifying what you are lagging behind in relation to. Ensure there's a clear point of comparison to provide context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are lagging behind" functions as a statement indicating that a group or entity is progressing at a slower rate than others, or failing to meet a certain standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to highlight a deficiency. Ludwig's examples show usage across various contexts, from economic performance to technological advancement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are lagging behind" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a group or entity is not progressing as quickly or effectively as others. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely applicable across various contexts like news, science, and business. To use the phrase effectively, always specify the area in which you are behind. While the phrase is neutrally registered, it serves as a call to action, prompting improvements and strategic adjustments. Alternative phrases like "we are falling behind" or "we are not keeping pace" can be used for varying degrees of emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are falling behind

Replaces "lagging" with "falling", suggesting a more rapid decline.

we are getting left behind

Emphasizes the idea of others progressing while "we" remain stationary.

we are losing ground

Implies a loss of progress or advantage already gained.

we are trailing

A more active sense of following at a distance.

we are not keeping pace

Highlights the inability to maintain the same rate of progress.

we are being outstripped

Suggests being surpassed, often unexpectedly or dramatically.

we are deficient

Highlights a lack in specific areas, that causes one to lag behind others.

we are underperforming

Focuses on performance relative to expectations or potential.

we are at a disadvantage

Emphasizes the resulting unfavorable position compared to others.

we are lagging

Shorter version of original query removing 'behind'.

FAQs

How can I use "we are lagging behind" in a sentence?

Use "we are lagging behind" to indicate a deficit or slower progress compared to a benchmark. For example, "In terms of technological innovation, "we are lagging behind" our competitors."

What's a more formal alternative to "we are lagging behind"?

For a more formal tone, consider "we are underperforming" or "we are not keeping pace". These options provide a professional tone suitable for business or academic contexts.

Is it always negative to say "we are lagging behind"?

While often used to highlight a deficiency, ""we are lagging behind"" can also serve as a call to action or a motivator for improvement. It acknowledges a current state with the intention of changing it.

Which is more impactful: "we are lagging behind" or "we are falling behind"?

Both phrases convey a similar meaning, but "we are falling behind" often suggests a more rapid or severe decline than ""we are lagging behind"". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of urgency you wish to convey.