Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Straggle: meaning, definitions and examples

🚶‍♂️
Add to dictionary

straggle

 

[ˈstræɡəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

moving unevenly

To straggle means to move or roam around in a scattered or disorganized manner, often lagging behind a group of people. This term can be used to describe someone who fails to keep pace with others during an activity or journey. It may also imply a sense of being lost or left behind. Straggling can occur in various contexts, such as hiking, walking in a line, or any other situation where a group is expected to move together. Overall, straggling denotes a lack of coordination or organization in movement.

Synonyms

fall behind, lag, trail.

Examples of usage

  • The hikers began to straggle behind when the path became steep.
  • Don't straggle too far from the group, or you might get lost!
  • He often straggled during the team runs, but he enjoyed the exercise.
Context #2 | Verb

developing late

To straggle can also refer to the slow or uneven development of something, like a project or group of pupils. This sense denotes a delay in progress or reaching a goal. It implies that while some elements may advance quickly, others lag considerably behind. Straggling in this context often leads to concerns about efficiency and deadlines.

Synonyms

dawdle, lag behind, linger.

Examples of usage

  • The project seemed to straggle as deadlines were missed.
  • Students who straggle in their studies may require additional help.
  • The flowers in the garden began to straggle, coming up late in the season.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'straggle' comes from the late Middle English word 'straglen,' which means to wander or stray.
  • It is related to the old English word 'strag,' meaning to lag or stray off, illustrating its connection to falling behind.

Pop Culture

  • In many adventure films, such as 'The Lord of the Rings,' characters often straggle behind during journeys, highlighting the theme of teamwork.
  • The term is frequently used in sports commentary, especially in races where competitors start to lag behind the leaders.

Psychology

  • Straggling can sometimes indicate social anxiety in individuals who feel overwhelmed in group settings, causing them to lag.
  • Psychologists note that straggling may also reflect an individual’s capacity to focus and keep pace with group expectations.

Nature

  • In botanical terms, some plants are said to straggle when they spread out unevenly, often trailing behind other plants due to growth patterns.
  • Certain animals, like young deer, may straggle while foraging, which affects their safety by separating from the herd.

Education

  • In classroom settings, students who straggle in their learning may need extra support, often benefiting from tailored educational strategies.
  • Teachers use the concept of straggling to identify students who may be falling behind in their studies, prompting intervention.

Translations

Translations of the word "straggle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lutar

🇮🇳 संघर्ष करना

🇩🇪 kämpfen

🇮🇩 berjuang

🇺🇦 боротися

🇵🇱 walczyć

🇯🇵 奮闘する

🇫🇷 lutter

🇪🇸 luchar

🇹🇷 mücadele etmek

🇰🇷 투쟁하다

🇸🇦 يكافح

🇨🇿 bojovat

🇸🇰 bojovať

🇨🇳 挣扎

🇸🇮 boriti se

🇮🇸 berjast

🇰🇿 күрес

🇬🇪 ბრძოლა

🇦🇿 mübarizə aparmaq

🇲🇽 luchar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,661 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.