laggard

[ lag-erd ]

noun

1. a person or thing that lags; lingerer; loiterer.

adjective

1. moving, developing, or responding slowly; sluggish; dilatory; backward.

laggard

/ ˈlæɡəd /

noun

1. a person who lags behind
2. a dawdler or straggler

adjective

1. rare.
   sluggish, slow, or dawdling

Derived Forms

• ˈlaggardly, adverb
• ˈlaggardness, noun

Other Words From

• laggard·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of laggard¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; lag ¹ + -ard

Example Sentences

It’s hilarious and strange and menacing in just the right way — and a shot in the arm for a somewhat laggard comic-book movie.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dow is the laggard, up only 2.6% since Jan. 2.

From Los Angeles Times

"Construction is a bit of a digital laggard compared with many other industries. It's been slow to adopt digital in the widest sense," says Mr O'Gorman.

From BBC

"Construction is a bit of a digital laggard compared with many other industries. It's been slow to adopt digital in the widest sense," says Mr O'Gorman.

From BBC

"Thompson’s efforts to tip the scales for the pork industry’s laggard faction are especially perplexing because he’s been hearing from many farmers, producers and citizens in his own state who want him to defend and protect animal welfare standards," wrote The Humane Society of the United States.

From Salon