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.

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behindhand British  

/ bɪˈhaɪndˌhænd /

adjective

1. remiss in fulfilling an obligation

2. in debt; in arrears

3. delayed in development; backward

4. late; behind time

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Etymology

Origin of behindhand

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

Example Sentences

“Oh! are you there?—But you are miserably behindhand. Mr. Cole gave me a hint of it six weeks ago.”

From Literature

Nor were the heretics always behindhand, when they gained opportunity, in improving the lesson which had been taught them so effectually.

From Project Gutenberg

Spain need not be too discouraged by being behindhand.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor was Smith behindhand in noting the effect produced.

From Project Gutenberg

We hear that Hood was forever behindhand with his promises to publishers; no wonder!

From Project Gutenberg