lagging

¹

[lag-ing]

noun

1. the act of falling or staying behind.

adjective

1. lingering; loitering; slow and dragging.

   lagging steps.

lagging

²

[lag-ing]

noun

1. the act of covering a boiler, oil tank, etc., with heat-insulating material.

2. the covering formed.

3. the material used.

4. a number of boards or the like joined together side by side to line an excavation.

5. Masonry.,  a number of lags, taken as a whole.

lagging

/ ˈlæɡɪŋ /

noun

1. insulating material wrapped around pipes, boilers, etc, or laid in a roof loft, to prevent loss of heat

2. the act or process of applying lagging

3. a wooden frame used to support an arch during construction

Other Word Forms

• laggingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lagging¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; lag ¹ + -ing ¹, -ing ² ( def. )

Origin of lagging²

First recorded in 1850–55; lag ³ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

With Labour lagging in the polls, expect to hear the anti-Reform rhetoric ramped up - but exactly how to burst the populist bubble has proved challenging.

From BBC

“We are lagging in the U.S., we’re lagging the world in recovery,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

The recent surge in its share value to above $3tn is rooted in a perception that it is no longer lagging behind in the AI race.

From BBC

Foster’s pillars of discipline, respect and enthusiasm clearly never took hold given his players’ repeated penalties, lagging preparation for lesser opponents and lack of passion on the sideline.

From Los Angeles Times

One bill aims to raise lagging reading skills among California children by mandating how schools teach this critical subject.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• underdeveloped