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Showing results for behind the times. Search instead for Behindthename.
Synonyms

behind the times

Idioms  
  1. Not keeping up with current fashion, methods, or ideas, as in Your accounting methods are behind the times. Charles Dickens used this idiom in Dombey and Son (1848): “I'm old-fashioned, and behind the Time.” [Mid-1800s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When he returned to the U.S. after eight years abroad, he remarked, “Europeans are 20 years behind the times, but working damned hard three days a week to catch up.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

"You'd think it's something small but a lot of clubs are still behind the times with that. It's about breaking those barriers and making sure spaces are available for mums," she added.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

The tenor of such softball japes can make “Shifting Gears” feel behind the times.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

Simpson, whose murder trial beamed live from a California courtroom captivated a nation three decades ago, was a telling reminder of how New York is behind the times — or, at least, a holdout.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 15, 2024

He said we were delightful, and if there’s one way to show how much you’re not trying to make believe you’re not behind the times, it’s to go around saying people are delightful.

From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel

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