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

There is a risk the BOJ might unintentionally fall behind the curve, one policymaker noted, as second-round effects and a rise in underlying inflation stemming from overseas developments are more likely to emerge. — Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 29 Mar. 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

The biggest risk for government bonds is the possibility that the Bank of Japan is behind the curve, which could trigger disorderly inflation and necessitate more frequent rate hikes. — Masahiro Hidaka, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for behind the curve

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