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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

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

There’s a worrying precedent from the financial crisis of a big American company being left in the lurch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 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

That freeze has left many buyers in the lurch and stuck without financing or the flood insurance that’s required for their mortgage.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

Sir Jeffrey's downfall five months later left his party in the lurch, just weeks after he had negotiated and delivered the very deal that saw the return of devolution.

From BBC • Sep. 21, 2024

And in the meantime, I’ve left Charlotte of the Palatine in the lurch.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank