behindhand 🔊
Meaning of behindhand
Late or delayed in doing something; not up to date.
Key Difference
While 'behindhand' implies a delay or lateness in action, its synonyms may vary in intensity or context, such as being temporarily delayed or chronically slow.
Example of behindhand
- The company was behindhand in submitting its annual report, causing concern among investors.
- She felt behindhand with her studies after missing a week of classes due to illness.
Synonyms
tardy 🔊
Meaning of tardy
Delayed beyond the expected or usual time.
Key Difference
'Tardy' often refers to a single instance of lateness, while 'behindhand' suggests a prolonged delay.
Example of tardy
- The student was tardy to class three times this month.
- His tardy response to the email caused a delay in the project.
delayed 🔊
Meaning of delayed
Made to happen at a later time than planned.
Key Difference
'Delayed' is more neutral and situational, whereas 'behindhand' implies negligence or inefficiency.
Example of delayed
- The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
- The construction project was delayed by bureaucratic hurdles.
belated 🔊
Meaning of belated
Coming or happening later than expected.
Key Difference
'Belated' often carries a sense of apology or regret, unlike 'behindhand,' which may imply fault.
Example of belated
- She sent a belated birthday card after forgetting the date.
- His belated realization of the mistake cost the team dearly.
overdue 🔊
Meaning of overdue
Not done or happening by the expected time.
Key Difference
'Overdue' emphasizes that something should have already happened, while 'behindhand' suggests ongoing lateness.
Example of overdue
- The library books are overdue and incurring fines.
- Reforms in the education system are long overdue.
slack 🔊
Meaning of slack
Not properly attentive or diligent.
Key Difference
'Slack' implies laziness or carelessness, whereas 'behindhand' focuses on the delay itself.
Example of slack
- His slack attitude led to missed deadlines.
- The team was criticized for being slack in their duties.
lagging 🔊
Meaning of lagging
Falling behind in progress or development.
Key Difference
'Lagging' suggests gradual falling behind, while 'behindhand' can imply a more noticeable delay.
Example of lagging
- The country is lagging in technological advancements.
- Sales are lagging behind projections this quarter.
remiss 🔊
Meaning of remiss
Lacking care or attention to duty.
Key Difference
'Remiss' implies negligence, whereas 'behindhand' focuses on the result (being late).
Example of remiss
- He was remiss in not informing his team about the changes.
- It would be remiss of me not to mention their contributions.
dilatory 🔊
Meaning of dilatory
Slow to act; intended to cause delay.
Key Difference
'Dilatory' suggests intentional slowness, while 'behindhand' may be unintentional.
Example of dilatory
- The lawyer used dilatory tactics to prolong the trial.
- His dilatory approach frustrated his colleagues.
backward 🔊
Meaning of backward
Less advanced or developed than is usual.
Key Difference
'Backward' refers to a lack of progress, while 'behindhand' refers to a delay in action.
Example of backward
- The region’s infrastructure is backward compared to neighboring areas.
- His backward views on technology hindered the team’s progress.
Conclusion
- 'Behindhand' is best used when describing a prolonged delay, often due to negligence or inefficiency.
- 'Tardy' works well for minor, one-time delays, such as arriving late to an event.
- 'Delayed' is a neutral term suitable for situational setbacks, like transportation delays.
- 'Belated' is appropriate for late actions where an apology or acknowledgment is implied.
- 'Overdue' should be used when something is significantly late, like bills or projects.
- 'Slack' fits when criticizing someone’s lack of effort leading to delays.
- 'Lagging' describes gradual falling behind, especially in progress or competition.
- 'Remiss' applies when someone neglects their responsibilities.
- 'Dilatory' is best for intentional delays, often in formal or legal contexts.
- 'Backward' refers to a lack of development rather than just being late.