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Definitions

fall behind

VERB
trail
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chase falter lag pull
STRONG
dally dangle dawdle delay dog drag draggle draw droop extend flag halt hang haul hunt linger loiter plod poke procrastinate pursue shadow shag spook spoor stalk straggle stream tail tarry tow trace track traipse trudge
WEAK
bedog bring up the rear drop back fall back follow a scent hang back hang down nose out poke along string along tag along take out after
Antonyms
STRONG
advance carry on complete finish forward go hasten hurry ignore leave leave alone let go push rise run away rush shorten speed stop tiptoe
WEAK
lead

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Despite a historic lead heading into the weekend, McIlroy didn’t just fall behind on Sunday but trailed by as many as three shots at times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Rhondda Cynon Taf council said it was "actively looking at a range of ways to engage earlier with residents who fall behind with payments" including an informal text messaging service.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The race is far from over, and AI improvements are coming so quickly that the winner in one week or month might fall behind, said venture capitalists, executives and AI researchers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

But consumers who fall behind can face a shutoff once the moratorium ends at the end of March.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Kim pulls at my arm and gestures for me to hurry as I begin to fall behind.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung