Lag: meaning, definitions and examples

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lag

[læɡ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

internet

A noticeable delay between the action of a user and the response of the system. It can be caused by slow internet connection or overloaded servers.

Synonyms

delay, latency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lag	Lag (repeated) has the same context as the first entry: often used in digital communications to describe a slow response time. Mainly found in discussions about technology and online activities. The website's server lag caused users to wait longer for page loads. They experienced significant lag during the video call.
delay	Delay is a general term used to describe any kind of postponement or slowing down of progress, action, or reaction. It can be used in various contexts such as travel, communication, work processes, etc. The flight was delayed due to bad weather. There was a delay in receiving the shipment.
latency	Latency refers specifically to the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another, often used in technical contexts such as network performance, telecommunications, and computing. It is more technical and precise than 'lag'. High latency in the network can affect real-time applications like video conferencing. Gamers often seek low-latency connections to improve their experience.

Word

Description / Examples

lag

Lag (repeated) has the same context as the first entry: often used in digital communications to describe a slow response time. Mainly found in discussions about technology and online activities.

The website's server lag caused users to wait longer for page loads.
They experienced significant lag during the video call.

delay

Delay is a general term used to describe any kind of postponement or slowing down of progress, action, or reaction. It can be used in various contexts such as travel, communication, work processes, etc.

The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
There was a delay in receiving the shipment.

latency

Latency refers specifically to the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another, often used in technical contexts such as network performance, telecommunications, and computing. It is more technical and precise than 'lag'.

High latency in the network can affect real-time applications like video conferencing.
Gamers often seek low-latency connections to improve their experience.

Examples of usage

I experienced lag while playing the online game.
The lag made it difficult to communicate in real-time.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

technology

To fall behind in movement, progress, or development. It can also refer to slowing down or becoming sluggish.

Synonyms

fall behind, slow down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lag	Generally used when something is not performing as fast as expected, often in technology or processes. My computer tends to lag when I open too many applications Despite their efforts, the project started to lag behind schedule
fall behind	Used when someone or something is not keeping up with others, in terms of progress or performance, often implying a need to catch up. She fell behind her classmates in mathematics The company fell behind its competitors in the market
slow down	Indicates a deliberate or unintentional reduction in speed or pace, often used in everyday conversations. The car had to slow down because of the heavy traffic We need to slow down our spending to save more money

Word

Description / Examples

lag

Generally used when something is not performing as fast as expected, often in technology or processes.

My computer tends to lag when I open too many applications
Despite their efforts, the project started to lag behind schedule

fall behind

Used when someone or something is not keeping up with others, in terms of progress or performance, often implying a need to catch up.

She fell behind her classmates in mathematics
The company fell behind its competitors in the market

slow down

Indicates a deliberate or unintentional reduction in speed or pace, often used in everyday conversations.

The car had to slow down because of the heavy traffic
We need to slow down our spending to save more money

Examples of usage

The old computer started to lag after running multiple programs.
Our competitors are starting to lag behind in innovation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated in the late 19th century from the slang term 'lagging', which meant to move slowly.
It is derived from the Norwegian word 'lagga', meaning to lag behind in an activity.

Technology

In computing, 'lag' refers to delays in the processing and transmission of data, often annoying gamers during online play.
Network latency is a form of lag that affects how quickly devices communicate over the internet.

Psychology

In observational learning, lag can refer to the delay in learning new behaviors based on the actions of others.
Feeling a sense of lag in life can lead to stress or anxiety, as people compare their progress to those of others.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in video gaming, with players commonly experiencing lag that disrupts the gaming experience.
Songs and movies that feature scenes of characters lagging behind are a popular trope, underscoring feelings of inadequacy or being left out.

Sports

In team sports, 'lag' can describe a player who falls behind in performance or game pace, often requiring motivation to catch up.
Athletes can experience a physical lag when returning from injury, creating a period of adjustment as they regain their form.

Translations

Translations of the word "lag" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atraso

🇮🇳 विलंब

🇩🇪 Verzögerung

🇮🇩 keterlambatan

🇺🇦 затримка

🇵🇱 opóźnienie

🇯🇵 遅延

🇫🇷 délai

🇪🇸 retraso

🇹🇷 gecikme

🇰🇷 지연

🇸🇦 تأخير

🇨🇿 zpoždění

🇸🇰 oneskorenie

🇨🇳 延迟

🇸🇮 zamuda

🇮🇸 töf

🇰🇿 кідіріс

🇬🇪 დაგვიანება

🇦🇿 gecikmə

🇲🇽 retraso

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,097 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8094 cracked
8095 facilitated
8096 formulate
8097 lag
8098 pier
8099 crushing
8100 naming
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