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Straggle: meaning, definitions and examples

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straggle

 

[ ˈstræɡəl ]

Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'straggle' originates from the middle of the 19th century, with its roots likely in the English dialect. It is believed to be an alteration of 'strag', which itself comes from 'stray', meaning to wander or move away from the correct path. The verb 'straggle' reflects the action of that wandering behavior, specifically emphasizing the idea of falling behind or spreading out unevenly from a group. Over time, it gained varied usages in both physical movement and metaphorical contexts, such as indicating delayed progress or disorganization. The informal nature of the term has allowed it to persist in contemporary English, particularly in colloquial speech and writing.

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.