Trailing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is at the back or end of a series or group. It is often used in contexts such as sports, where a team or player is behind others, or in data analysis, where it applies to average values calculated for the most recent periods.

• The team is currently trailing by 10 points.
• The trailing 12-month average shows a steady increase in sales.

Indicating something that comes immediately after in time, order, or place. It's typically used when referring to events, days, or instructions.

• The following weeks will be challenging.
• Please read the following instructions carefully.

Used to emphasize the end of a sequence, often related to time, such as the previous period or the farthest point in a series. It can also have a negative connotation when used to describe something at the bottom in rank or the least important.

• This is the last day to submit your forms.
• He was the last person to arrive at the meeting.

This is best used when referring to something that comes at the end of a sequence and signifies completion. This word is often used in contexts such as exams, decisions, or stages.

• The final chapter of the book explains everything.
• They've made their final decision.

This word is often used to describe something or someone that is positioned behind or following something else, especially in a competitive context or sequence.

• The team was trailing by five points at halftime.
• You'll often see a trailing comma in programming code.

Typically used for the furthest back part of something, especially in formal or technical contexts.

• The rear entrance is locked after 10 PM.
• Load the cargo into the rear compartment of the truck.

Generally used to refer to the rear part of something or someone, it can also mean returning to a previous position or state.

• She sat at the back of the class.
• He went back to his hometown after many years.

This word is used when something or someone is moving or performing behind another, often in a competitive or progress situation.

• With only five minutes left, our team is trailing by two points.
• The satellite images show the hurricane trailing a long line of storm clouds.

This word is often used to describe a delay or slower performance compared to others or a standard, especially in technology or productivity contexts.

• The video game started to lag during the most exciting part.
• Our internet connection began to lag, making it difficult to work.

Use this when someone or something is not keeping up with the schedule or progress required or expected. It can imply a more noticeable lag than 'trailing'.

• I fell behind in my studies after being sick for a week.
• The construction project is starting to fall behind schedule.

Similar to 'trailing', this word is used to describe something following behind another but can also refer to a path or track.

• He trailed behind the group, lost in his thoughts.
• The dog sniffed and followed the trail through the woods.