laggard

American  

[lag-erd] / ˈlæg ərd /

noun

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

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adjective

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

laggard British  

/ ˈlæɡəd /

noun

1. a person who lags behind

2. a dawdler or straggler

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adjective

1. rare sluggish, slow, or dawdling

Other Word Forms

• laggardly adverb
• laggardness noun

Etymology

Origin of laggard

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

Example Sentences

As Apple’s Siri delay drags on, its “Magnificent Seven” peers are embarking on a massive AI spending spree to build out data centers, leading some investors to perceive Apple as an AI laggard.

From MarketWatch

The laggards included Tampa and Denver, where prices fell more than 2%.

From Barron's

Packaged-goods companies are particularly vulnerable and have been among the biggest laggards in the stock market of late.

From The Wall Street Journal

Investors should use fundamental overlays when buying laggards and avoid selling strong momentum tech stocks, Parker advises.

From Barron's

Unitree’s strong gross margins imply further price cuts, likely amplifying the gap between industry leaders and laggards, they note.

From The Wall Street Journal