behind the curve

idiom

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

Based on this analysis, the Fed appears to be behind the curve, hung up on lagging indicators. —Robert Barone, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025

For his part, Trump has accused the Fed of being behind the curve, ratcheting up pressure on the central bank in recent weeks to lower borrowing costs and attacking Chair Jerome Powell. —Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 7 May 2025

Companies not yet exploring blockchain or cryptocurrency may find themselves behind the curve, missing out on innovation and market opportunities as digital assets become increasingly integrated into global financial systems. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

But what happens to those working at companies behind the curve? —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for behind the curve

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