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

The decision leaves defense contractors and defense suppliers in the lurch.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 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

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

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

in the lurch

Example Sentences

Related Words