behind the times
idiom
: not having or showing knowledge of current ideas or styles : outdated, old-fashioned
The entire country is behind the times when it comes to protecting the environment.
Our professor is surprisingly behind the times.
Examples of behind the times in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Many other large metro systems have already fully transitioned to tap-and-go; in this sense, New York is behind the times.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Outdated materials or styles can quickly make a home feel behind the times—and may even affect its appeal down the road.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
And recently, after 110 years in midtown, Blue Diamond officials announced that the Sacramento almond plant had fallen behind the times, and would be shut down sometime between late 2026 and mid-2027.
—Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Byrnes is coming from an organization viewed as cutting-edge to the Rockies, a franchise seen as behind the times in analytics, coaching, and team-building.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
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Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 31 Dec. 2025
Outdated materials or styles can quickly make a home feel behind the times—and may even affect its appeal down the road.
—Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 29 Dec. 2025
And recently, after 110 years in midtown, Blue Diamond officials announced that the Sacramento almond plant had fallen behind the times, and would be shut down sometime between late 2026 and mid-2027.
—Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025
Byrnes is coming from an organization viewed as cutting-edge to the Rockies, a franchise seen as behind the times in analytics, coaching, and team-building.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for behind the times
Cite this Entry
“Behind the times.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behind%20the%20times. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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