laggard

American  

[lag-erd] / ˈlæg ərd /

noun

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

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adjective

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

laggard British  

/ ˈlæɡəd /

noun

1. a person who lags behind

2. a dawdler or straggler

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adjective

1. rare sluggish, slow, or dawdling

Other Word Forms

• laggardly adverb
• laggardness noun

Etymology

Origin of laggard

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

Example Sentences

“Any management consultant or Wall Street adviser would look at our laggards and say ‘dump them.’

From The Wall Street Journal

Analog-semiconductor stocks have been major laggards over a multiyear span, but Microchip’s latest commentary is fueling hopes for a sustained recovery.

From The Wall Street Journal

With sentiment washed out and long-term trends still intact, these international laggards may be closer to a turning point than a breakdown.

From Barron's

Electric utilities returned 16%, helped by the data center boom, while real estate investment trusts were notable laggards, rising just 4%.

From Barron's

But if the entertainment giant can go from industry laggard to the sector’s top stock, that would be a serious turnup.

From Barron's