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

“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.”

From 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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

"Construction is a bit of a digital laggard compared with many other industries. It's been slow to adopt digital in the widest sense," says Mr O'Gorman.

From BBC

Give me your losers and laggards, your pokey puppies who limbo right under rock-bottom expectations and then have to go home and lie down.

From New York Times