lagging

noun lag·ging \ ˈla-giŋ \

Definition of lagging

: a lag or material used for making lags: such as

a : material for thermal insulation especially around a cylindrical object

b : planking used especially for preventing cave-ins in earthwork or for supporting an arch during construction

See lagging defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of lagging from the Web

When summer revenue plummeted 14.6 percent to $3.83 billion, gains made earlier in the year were reversed, leaving 2017 domestic revenue lagging.

— pamela mcclintock, The Hollywood Reporter, "Box-Office: After Awful Summer, 'It' Fuels Record September in U.S.," 2 Oct. 2017
Its latest report placed India at 136 out of 180 countries, down 3 places from last year, leaving the South Asian national lagging behind the likes of Myanmar, Colombia and even Zimbabwe.

— manveena suri, CNN, "Murder of Indian journalists sparks concern over press freedom," 25 Sep. 2017
Martin, hired to provide the music for his sister-in-law’s wedding on the same day as the royal visit, is hoping to turn the gig into a new start for his lagging career.

— kevin baker, New York Times, "A Debut Novel Imagines Political Intrigue at the 1939 World’s Fair," 13 Sep. 2017
Hardaway shifted between starting and super-sub roles, providing streaky scoring and decent outside shooting to a lagging Hawks offense that desperately needed it.

— ben golliver and rob mahoney, SI.com, "Top 100 NBA Players of 2018: Biggest Snubs," 11 Sep. 2017
The changes come at a pivotal moment for Pandora, which for years dominated the internet radio market but has seen its growth stalled — and its stock price lagging — as listeners move to Spotify, Apple Music and elsewhere.

— ben sisario, New York Times, "Pandora, After Shake-Up, Picks New C.E.O.," 14 Aug. 2017
With foot traffic lagging at quick-service restaurants, chains are battling on all fronts to gain the attention of fast-food eaters.

— nancy luna, Orange County Register, "Del Taco announces 1-pound breakfast burrito, its biggest yet," 14 Mar. 2017
The rhythm section was the key to the track: the drummer laid down a lagging beat, and the bassist played a molasses-slow riff.

— elias leight, Billboard, "CMT Music Awards 2017: All the Performances Ranked From Worst to Best," 7 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lagging.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of lagging

1851

LAGGING Defined for English Language Learners

lagging

noun

Definition of lagging for English Language Learners

: a special material that is used to cover something (such as a pipe) to keep it from losing or gaining heat

Learn More about lagging

See words that rhyme with lagging Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for lagging Nglish: Translation of lagging for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lagging for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up lagging? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

lagging

Definition of lagging

Recent Examples of lagging from the Web

First Known Use of lagging

LAGGING Defined for English Language Learners

lagging

Definition of lagging for English Language Learners

Learn More about lagging

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

grudging

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Words of the Year: 1066

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

More Confusing Words—Quiz

Spell It

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

lagging

Definition of lagging

Recent Examples of lagging from the Web

First Known Use of lagging

LAGGING Defined for English Language Learners

lagging

Definition of lagging for English Language Learners

Learn More about lagging

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes