laggard

== English == === Etymology === From lag + -ard. === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ˈlæɡəd/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈlæɡɚd/ Rhymes: -æɡə(ɹ)d === Adjective === laggard (comparative more laggard, superlative most laggard) (derogatory) Lagging behind; taking more time than the others in a group. (animal husbandry) Not growing as quickly as the rest of the flock or herd. ==== Translations ==== === Noun === laggard (plural laggards) One who lags behind; one who takes more time than is necessary or more than the others in a group. 1733, William Havard, Scanderbeg: A Tragedy, London: J. Watts, Act II, Scene 4, p. 17,[3] Blushing I look upon my poor Resolves, A Laggard in the Race, and faintly striving To follow Excellence that soars so high. 1891, Rudyard Kipling, Letters of Marque, New York & Boston: H.M. Caldwell, 1899, Chapter 12, p. 141,[5] The State line, with the comparatively new branch to the Pachbadra salt-pits, pays handsomely, and is exactly suited to the needs of its users. True, there is a certain haziness as to the hour of starting, but this allows laggards more time, and fills the packed carriages to overflowing. ==== Synonyms ==== See also Thesaurus:idler ==== Translations ==== === Derived terms === === References === “laggard”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.