C1verbbusinessacademic
US/læɡ/
UK/læɡ/
to move, grow or develop more slowly than others, so that you fall behind
More often (noun): a delay between one event and another
In context
Our sales lagged behind those of our main competitor last quarter.
Wages have lagged far behind rising prices for several years.
Some students lag in reading because they have little time to practice.
Words that go with lag
verb + preposition
- lag behindExports are starting to lag behind imports.
- lag far behindRural schools lag far behind city schools in funding.
- lag behind competitorsThe firm risks lagging behind competitors in technology.
- lag behind the restOur region still lags behind the rest of the country.
- lag inThe country lags in internet access.
- continue to lagProductivity has continued to lag in this sector.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Our sales lag the competitors.Correct: Our sales lag behind the competitors.