Fall Behind

B1 8+

Pronunciation: /fɔːl bɪˈhaɪnd/

Definitions of fall behind

verb to fail to keep up with something or someone

Example Sentences

A1 I always fall behind in my homework because I procrastinate.

A2 She tends to fall behind in class when she doesn't understand the material.

B1 If you don't keep up with your studies, you will fall behind and struggle to catch up.

B2 The team fell behind in the game but managed to make a comeback in the second half.

C1 It is important to stay organized and manage your time effectively so you don't fall behind in your work.

C2 Despite her best efforts, she still fell behind in the race and finished in second place.

adverb to be in a position that is not as advanced as others in a competition or race

Example Sentences

A1 I fell behind in my homework because I was sick.

A2 She fell behind in her studies after missing a week of classes.

B1 The team fell behind in the race due to a mechanical issue.

B2 Despite his best efforts, he fell behind in the competition.

C1 The company fell behind in the market due to lack of innovation.

C2 The student fell behind in the advanced calculus class and struggled to catch up.

Examples of fall behind in a Sentence

formal The company's competitors are advancing quickly, and we cannot afford to fall behind.

informal I need to study harder or I'll fall behind in my classes.

slang If you don't keep up with the latest trends, you'll totally fall behind.

figurative She worked hard to stay ahead in the race, never wanting to fall behind.

Grammatical Forms of fall behind

past tense

fell behind

plural

fall behinds

comparative

more behind

superlative

most behind

present tense

falls behind

future tense

will fall behind

perfect tense

has fallen behind

continuous tense

is falling behind

singular

falls behind

positive degree

fall behind

infinitive

to fall behind

gerund

falling behind

participle

fallen behind

Origin and Evolution of fall behind

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'fall behind' originated from the combination of the words 'fall' meaning to move downward and 'behind' meaning in a less advanced position.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the literal sense of physically falling behind in a race or competition, the phrase has evolved to also signify lagging in progress, development, or meeting expectations.