Synonyms for

Lag

Verb / læg / Another word for lag — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To fall behind or fail to keep up with others in a group.

Synonyms & similar words

incarcerate interim remand meantime fallback meanwhile gaol dawdle imprison putbehindbars retardation putaway immure jug stave jail fallbehind slowdown trail straggle delay linger dawdle loiter poke putter procrastinate drag tarry slip retard limp dally stall lollygag

Synonyms by register

Formal

delay stagnate retard procrastinate

Informal

drag fall behind be slow trail

Literary

linger tarry dally

Antonyms

advance lead precede rush speed accelerate

Common collocations

  • lag behind
  • lag in
  • lag time
  • lag effect
  • lag by
  • lag of
  • lagging behind

Word family

noun lag
verb lag
adjective lagging

Usage note

Often used in contexts of technology or performance to describe a delay or slowness. Can also refer to falling behind in a race or competition.

Example sentences

  1. I can't play catch-up because I always lag behind.
  2. I lagged behind the group because I was tired.
  3. If you lag too much, you might lose the race.
  4. I'm always the last one to finish because I lag behind.
  5. He tends to lag behind because he's always daydreaming.

Quotes

  • It is better to lead than to lag behind.
  • Don't let failure make you lag behind.
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.

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