laggard

[ lag-erd ]

noun

1. a person or thing that lags; lingerer; loiterer.

adjective

1. moving, developing, or responding slowly; sluggish; dilatory; backward.

laggard

/ ˈlæɡəd /

noun

1. a person who lags behind
2. a dawdler or straggler

adjective

1. rare.
   sluggish, slow, or dawdling

Derived Forms

• ˈlaggardly, adverb
• ˈlaggardness, noun

Other Words From

• laggard·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of laggard¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; lag ¹ + -ard

Example Sentences

The U.K. originally hung back from embracing such policies, and as a result was a laggard in developing a solar industry.

From The Daily Beast

He did not succeed, for memory was laggard, or his imagination was playing him a trick.

From Project Gutenberg

He was always first in the playground and last in class; a leader in mischief, a laggard in study.

From Project Gutenberg

As a general thing the herd crowds toward the leaders, and the laggard brings up the rear alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Frank was first on hand, as usual, but even laggard Will showed up on time, camera and all.

From Project Gutenberg

How is it that the humble mill yonder, whose laggard wheel scarce stirs the water, seems to him like some old familiar thing.

From Project Gutenberg