behind the curve

phrase

chiefly US, disapproving

: slower about doing something than other people, companies, etc.

We are behind the curve when it comes to advances in medicine.

Examples of behind the curve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Penn State only finalized its deal in June 2025, putting the Nittany Lions behind the curve. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Yields are rising because Takaichi's program is highly inflationary and markets fear the BOJ is behind the curve on inflation, Jesper Koll, expert director at Monex Group, said. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026

Continuing down the current path risks burdening residents with debt while leaving us behind the curve — a costly combination. — Alison Fournier, Sun Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2026

If they are perceived as being behind the curve or investing incorrectly, the consequences are swift and severe. — Martin Whittaker, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for behind the curve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• mirv
• nerve
• serve
• swerve
• verve