fall behind

VERB

trail

Synonyms

STRONGEST

chase falter lag pull

STRONG

dally dangle dawdle delay dog drag draggle draw droop extend flag halt hang haul hunt linger loiter plod poke procrastinate pursue shadow shag spook spoor stalk straggle stream tail tarry tow trace track traipse trudge

WEAK

bedog bring up the rear drop back fall back follow a scent hang back hang down nose out poke along string along tag along take out after

Antonyms

STRONG

advance carry on complete finish forward go hasten hurry ignore leave leave alone let go push rise run away rush shorten speed stop tiptoe

WEAK

lead

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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fall behind

The new gadget can detect, for example, if keys fall behind a sofa.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

At the word “affordable,” a blizzard of dollar bills begins to fall behind him.

From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026

There are all sorts of reasons borrowers across wealth levels fall behind on their dues, from financial stress to administrative oversight.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

For Rees, this is the heart of the UK's problem, and helps explain why countries can offer universal, free health services and still fall behind.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

Josie saw Max slow down and fall behind the others.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

fall behind

Example Sentences

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