LAGGING Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

lagging 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of lagging

as in slow

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed the lagging pace of work on the project was worrisome

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lagging

2 of 2

verb

present participle of lag

as in fading

to lose bodily strength or vigor during the fourth quarter the whole team seemed to lag

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delaying

to move or act slowly the tired puppy was lagging behind the rest of the pack

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of lagging

Adjective

Every initiative should identify its operational leading indicator, financial lagging indicator, value owner and realization mechanism. — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Just last month, Microsoft began layoffs of 20% of its Xbox employees as part of a sweeping reorganization to revive the company’s lagging games division. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026 The United States typically experiences the lagging edge of Latin American displacement waves. — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025 So while America is most likely still a highly desirable place for all kinds of investors, from the average person putting money into a 401(k) to a professional trader, the lagging performance this year is more than your typical year. — Christian Orozco, NBC news, 12 Nov. 2025 Layer on infrastructure costs, amortization, new storage mandates, refinery retrofits for changing crude blends and the lagging effects of the LCFS credit. — Michael Mische, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 Reporting is inconsistent and lagging. — Miami Herald, 1 July 2025

Verb

In a debate earlier this week, Bass highlighted her accomplishments in paving the way for new affordable housing, while Raman asserted that housing production is still lagging and Bass isn’t doing enough. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 Experts attribute that increase partly to issues such as rising healthcare costs, lagging Social Security benefits and insufficient retirement savings. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 But everything that could go wrong — from a heavy metal band practicing next door to lagging wifi causing awkward delays — did go wrong. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2026 According to TrusTrace, there’s evidence that even the most basic due diligence practices are lagging in the face of escalating standards and scrutiny. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The uniform lessons came forward as part of a state takeover of Fort Worth ISD that was implemented due to years of lagging academic performance districtwide. — Lina Ruiz october 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2026 His message to men dealing with low energy, slow recovery or lagging strength is practical. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Open-weight models have generally been seen as lagging the capabilities of the best closed systems. — Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 Prices are already dropping across some seriously good phones, making now a great time to ditch your lagging device and upgrade your daily tech for less. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lagging

Adjective

On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
In particular, he was asked about Netflix’s slower growth (2% year-over-year growth in user engagement during the first half in 2026).

— Matt Donnelly, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

The Saints are fading after a strong start, and Tyler Shough is struggling and dealing with a left hand injury.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
In the rapidly fading light, a splendid buck muley took half a step forward and looked straight toward me.

— Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of fading

Verb

The daughter, Shannon Amos, faults her brother, Kelly Christopher Amos, for delaying medical care while isolating the actor from his family and friends in the years leading up to his death.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
More and more parents are delaying vaccines and citing logistics, outsourcing the decision to the parent who isn’t in the room or simply wanting more time.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of delaying

Adjective

Jalsa has excellent food, leisurely service, and a robot waiter of unclear utility.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
The exterior is well equipped for leisurely days—including a shaded hammock, large deck, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs beneath a string of bistro lights.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of leisurely

Verb

Mortgage demand continues to drop sharply, as buyers face higher prices and weakening affordability.

— Diana Olick, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
The upper-level trough over the western United States will gradually advance eastward, weakening the influence of the ridge that has kept us hot and relatively dry.

— Michael Autovino, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakening

Verb

Abruptly moving on, like a magician preventing his audience from lingering on his last trick, Alex pulled out a tablet, holding it up to me.

— Andrew Lipstein, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Also on the ground floor is Maven, serving strong espresso and nitro cold brew—plus coffee cocktails worth lingering for.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of lingering

Verb

His thighs and sagging belly wrap tightly around the man’s head; his hands clutch at a long golf club and the scales of justice.

— Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Like yet another Kenneth Walker III outburst, including a 76-yard run when the Chiefs were sagging late in the third quarter.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sagging

Browse Nearby Words

laggers

lagging

lagniappe

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Lagging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lagging. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lagging

adjective

verb

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