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Definitions

in a bind

ADJECTIVE
late
Synonyms
STRONGEST
last-minute slow
WEAK
backward behind behind time behindhand belated blown delayed dilatory eleventh hour gone held up hung up in the lurch jammed lagging missed the boat out of luck overdue postponed put off remiss stayed strapped tardy too late unpunctual
Antonyms
WEAK
antique early live old old-fashioned on time prompt punctual
ADJECTIVE
tardy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
belated delayed delinquent overdue sluggish
WEAK
backward behindhand dawdling detained dilatory held up hung up jammed laggard loitering not arrived not done procrastinating slack slow strapped for time too late unpunctual
Antonyms
STRONGEST
early
WEAK
on time prompt punctual ready

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.

More rarely, I’ll buy books new, though usually only if I’m in a bind and need something to read for a trip.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2026

This puts victimized taxpayers in a bind, Camp told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 27, 2026

"But it really does put the US automakers in a bind, because nobody else is going to want to buy American cars."

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

The bond vigilantes —to borrow a term economist Ed Yardeni used to describe the activist fixed-income investors who tried to rein in inflation in the 1980s—have European governments in a bind already.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

Howard’s insistence that his horse would not run under more than 130 pounds had put track handicappers in a bind.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand