Laggard: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone who is consistently behind others in progress, development, or achievement, often in a negative or critical way.

• In the tech industry, a laggard is a company that adopts new technologies much later than its competitors
• The student was labeled a laggard because he always submitted his assignments late

Refers to someone who falls behind the main group, often in the context of a journey, event, or activity. It can imply that they are struggling to keep up.

• During the marathon, a few stragglers were still crossing the finish line hours after the main group
• The teacher had to wait for the stragglers to catch up during the field trip

Used casually or colloquially to describe someone who moves or acts slower than others. Often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner.

• Hurry up, slowpoke! We're going to be late for the movie
• She called her brother a slowpoke for taking too long to get ready

Usually used to describe the last in a series or a group, often without the negative connotation of 'laggard'. Can also refer to something that follows or trails behind.

• In the sports race, she was a trailer, following the lead runners closely
• The caravan had a trailer that carried all the luggage

Used to describe someone or something that is slow to move or respond, often in a competitive setting. It can be used for people, companies, or other entities.

• In the rapidly growing tech market, the company was view as a laggard.
• The laggard in the race finally finished an hour after everyone else.

Refers to someone or something that fails to perform as well as others, often used in business or academic contexts. It has a negative connotation.

• Despite high expectations, he turned out to be an underperformer in the project.
• The company's stock has been labeled an underperformer by analysts.

Applied often to describe plants, businesses, or markets that develop at a slower rate compared to others.

• We opted for slow-growing trees in our backyard to avoid rapid overgrowth.
• This is a slow-growing market, requiring patience from investors.