Definition

Verb: - To fall back in position; to fail to keep pace with others; to move or progress more slowly than a group or standard.

Usage

This verb describes the action of moving or progressing at a slower rate than others, resulting in a position further back. It is often used in contexts involving movement, competition, or progress. - The injured runner began to drop behind the rest of the pack. - If you don't study regularly, you will drop behind in class.

Advanced Usage

• "to drop behind schedule": To fail to complete tasks by the planned time.
  • The construction project is starting to drop behind schedule due to the bad weather.

Variants and Related Words

• Drop back (phrasal verb): A synonym meaning to move to a position further back.
  • He dropped back to talk to the last person in line.

Synonyms

• Fall behind: To fail to keep up.
• Lag (behind): To move or develop more slowly.
• Trail (behind): To be or move behind someone or something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Drop off: To decline or decrease; to deliver someone or something.
  • Sales tend to drop off after the holidays.
• Drop out: To leave a course, competition, or activity before finishing.
  • She had to drop out of the race due to illness.

Related Idioms

• Drag one's feet: To act slowly or reluctantly.
  • The committee is dragging its feet on making a decision.

Verb

1. to lag or linger behind
   • But in so many other areas we still are dragging