fall behind

phrase

Synonyms of fall behindnext
1
: to lag behind
The slower hikers fell behind the group.
2
: to be in arrears
He fell behind in his car payments.

Examples of fall behind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shifts in culture affected the appetite for all of this, and Victoria’s Secret went from being on top of the world to falling behind conversations about inclusivity and body positivity. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026 The Brewers fell behind 4-0 in the second inning after Shohei Ohtani's three-run blast, but the team never wavered. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Castillo’s game-winning 28-yard touchdown run capped off a Brackenridge comeback in which the Eagles scored 21 unanswered points after falling behind 14-0 in the third quarter. — David Dekunder, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 The 2006 law helped cut greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels and fueled clean-energy growth, but California is falling behind its next targets. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall behind

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall behind was in 1652

Rhymes for fall behind

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Browse Nearby Words

fall back on
fall behind
fall between two stools
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fall behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20behind. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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