Definitions

in the lurch

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 a bind 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

Example Sentences

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in the lurch

Uniper was left in the lurch after Germany stopped importing Russian natural gas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026

As imports are disrupted, India has moved to ensure households and essential sectors remain adequately supplied, leaving restaurants, manufacturers and power plants in the lurch.

From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026

Department of Agriculture have stopped, leaving some would-be home buyers in the lurch.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2025

Many people may be left in the lurch, and the state may have to start considering standing up a new program for insuring homes in the fire-ravaged state, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2025

Maybe he thought I was right behind him, or maybe he'd left me in the lurch.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

in the lurch

Example Sentences

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