Synonyms of fall behind

fall behind

phrase

as in delay

to move or act slowly

He lost his footing and fell behind in the relay.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delay
• linger
• drag
• crawl
• poke
• drop behind
• mark time
• hang fire
• stroll
• play
• creep
• lag
• loiter
• stall
• shuffle
• drag one's feet
• dawdle
• take one's time
• diddle
• mope
• lounge
• tarry
• lollygag
• fiddle (around)
• dillydally
• fool around
• potter (around)
• putter (around)
• dally
• idle
• hang (around or out)
• monkey (around)
• mess around
• stagger
• slow (down or up)
• shilly-shally
• trifle
• loaf
• saunter
• inch
• amble
• ease
• decelerate
• loll
• lumber
• temporize
• procrastinate
• filibuster
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• course
• race
• fly
• speed
• run
• career
• hurry
• rush
• tear
• rocket
• bolt
• barrel
• hasten
• rip
• dash
• zip
• breeze
• scurry
• whiz
• bowl
• whirl
• whisk
• scramble
• hump
• run
• stampede
• dart
• speed (up)
• hustle
• hotfoot (it)
• gallop
• trot
• jog
• accelerate
• scoot
• sprint
• catch up
• scud
• hurtle
• quicken
• overtake
• outrun
• outstrip
• outpace
• fast-forward

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fall behind

As far as catchers are slotted, Jackson falls behind Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey and Arkansas’ Ryder Helfrick, who are both predicted to be top-12 picks come Saturday. — Hunter Delauder, AJC.com, 10 July 2026

The Three Lions fell behind 1-0 early against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32 and trailed for nearly 70 minutes before talisman Harry Kane scored two late goals to send England to the Round of 16. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

But by not focusing on growth, Chicago has been falling behind. — Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026

England fell behind 1-0 early against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Round of 32. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026