fall behind

phrase

1

: to lag behind

The slower hikers fell behind the group.

2

: to be in arrears

He fell behind in his car payments.

Examples of fall behind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In terms of deterrents to playing fantasy, one of the biggest issues the WSL identified was users creating a team at the beginning of the season, falling behind in the competition, and then dropping off entirely. — Theo Lloyd-Hughes, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

In interviews, parents described forgoing necessities, falling behind on bills or relying on acquaintances to watch their children. — Moriah Balingit, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Proponents of data center development said during the legislative session that the state is missing out on high-paying jobs and millions in additional property tax revenue, while putting America at risk of falling behind foreign competitors. — Des Moines Register, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026

The result was a much heavier suit, one that was more difficult to build, was falling behind schedule, and cost more. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fall behind

• countersigned
• disinclined
• humankind
• interlined
• intertwined
• mastermind
• misaligned
• nonaligned
• predefined
• realigned
• reassigned
• recombined