behindhand

[ bih-hahynd-hand ]

adverb

1. late; tardy.
2. behind in progress; backward:

   They were never behindhand in following artistic fads.

3. in debt or arrears.

behindhand

/ bɪˈhaɪndˌhænd /

adjective

1. remiss in fulfilling an obligation
2. in debt; in arrears
3. delayed in development; backward
4. late; behind time

Word History and Origins

Origin of behindhand¹

First recorded in 1520–30; behind + hand; by analogy with earlier beforehand ( def )

Example Sentences

They open a winter school, where students who are behindhand may make up deficiencies.

From Project Gutenberg

So Claude Haton, who is rarely behindhand in such matters, makes the Protestants lose fifteen thousand or sixteen thousand men.

From Project Gutenberg

I have constantly observed that the generality of people are fifty years, at least, behindhand in their politics.

From Project Gutenberg

And their assembled friends being not a bit behindhand, roared out lustily.

From Project Gutenberg

I turn out with alacrity, and am not behindhand in dressing; besides, I have only to put on my flannels.

From Project Gutenberg