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

Other Word Forms

• laggardness noun
• laggardly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of laggard¹

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

Example Sentences

Investment banking units that had been laggards in recent years are in some cases bouncing back.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Even with the recent gains, the US, the world's second biggest car market, stood out as a laggard in electric car sales compared to much of the rest of the world.

Read more on BBC

“They are under the spotlights after being identified as laggards of the industry…It’s their turn to commit to a supply chain that protects the rainforest, workers, communities and our planet.”

Read more on Salon

“I’m really proud of the transition we’ve made from laggard to leader on beavers,” said Wade Crowfoot, California’s secretary for natural resources.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s hilarious and strange and menacing in just the right way — and a shot in the arm for a somewhat laggard comic-book movie.

Read more on Los Angeles Times