lag behind

Definitions

To fail to keep pace; to fail to keep up with one's peers; to achieve or impress less than one's peers; to move more slowly than one's peers.

intransitive, transitive

Equivalents

Examples

“Liam was lagging behind in the race⟳.”

“Until now these for the most part have⟳ lagged far behind those of Western Europe in speed⟳; over the longer distances average speeds well below 40 m.p.h. have⟳ been the rule⟳.”

“As the country continues to wrestle⟳ with one of the greatest upheavals to everyday life in recent memory, passenger numbers have⟳ had a turbulent 'snakes and ladders' journey - and continue⟳ to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.”

CEFR level