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Definition of laggard

laggard

/ˈlæɡ.ərd/
lag · gard
Adverb:laggardly
•
Plural:laggards
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laggard Lexical Profile

laggard Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person, organization, or thing that makes slow progress and falls behind others.

Example

"Once considered a technological laggard, the firm invested heavily in research to catch up with its competitors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Slow to act, move, or respond; falling behind others in progress or development.

Example

"The company's laggard response to shifting consumer preferences cost it a significant share of the market."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for laggard

• Nearby Words

lag
lager
lagerstroemia
laggard
lagging
laggy
lagoon

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century from the verb 'lag' (to fall behind) combined with the pejorative suffix '-ard' (borrowed from Old French, as seen in 'sluggard' and 'coward').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Laggard. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/laggard
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