behindhand

[ bih-hahynd-hand ]

adverb

1. late; tardy.
2. behind in progress; backward:

   They were never behindhand in following artistic fads.

3. in debt or arrears.

behindhand

/ bɪˈhaɪndˌhænd /

adjective

1. remiss in fulfilling an obligation
2. in debt; in arrears
3. delayed in development; backward
4. late; behind time

Word History and Origins

Origin of behindhand¹

First recorded in 1520–30; behind + hand; by analogy with earlier beforehand ( def )

Example Sentences

“Oh! are you there?—But you are miserably behindhand. Mr. Cole gave me a hint of it six weeks ago.”

From Literature

Ziska was not behindhand in this, and in burning convents not infrequently allowed the monks to share the fate of their buildings.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor were the heretics always behindhand, when they gained opportunity, in improving the lesson which had been taught them so effectually.

From Project Gutenberg

In many circles here, it is the fashion to consider piety and dulness synonymous, and yet they are very different; our German clergyman here is not behindhand in this respect.

From Project Gutenberg

I remember that the Catholics used to hold me somewhat cheap, and to think me behindhand, uncatholic, over-English, and the like.

From Project Gutenberg