behindhand

American  

[bih-hahynd-hand] / bɪˈhaɪndˌhænd /

adverb

1. late; tardy.

2. behind in progress; backward.

   They were never behindhand in following artistic fads.

3. in debt or arrears.

---

behindhand British  

/ bɪˈhaɪndˌhænd /

adjective

1. remiss in fulfilling an obligation

2. in debt; in arrears

3. delayed in development; backward

4. late; behind time

---

Etymology

Origin of behindhand

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

Example Sentences

Considering that this Fantaisie' was ordered, and paid for, and eaten more than a year ago, I realize that I am behindhand with it.

From Time Magazine Archive

Well, he is a very old customer," the banker replied patiently, "and he's hard hit--he wanted it for wages, and I fear that he's behindhand with them.

From Ovington's Bank by Weyman, Stanley J.

I'm afraid I ought not to have let him do that, but we're rather behindhand tonight.

From The War-Workers by Delafield, E.M.

Did it ever strike you, by the way, how behindhand your countrymen are in the matter of hotels?

From The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I December 1, 1850 by Various

The English furniture makers of a century ago were not so behindhand, and old carriages had door-handles, and furniture had mounts of gilt bronze.

From British Manufacturing Industries Pottery, Glass and Silicates, Furniture and Woodwork. by Arnoux, L.