lag

A period of time between an event and the result or response it causes.

• There is a short lag before the video starts.
• The game has too much lag.
• We noticed a time lag between payment and delivery.

How to use it: lag between A and B (There is a lag between pressing the button and hearing the sound.)

Similar words: delay

Common phrases: time lag, response lag, a short lag

A failure to move or develop as quickly as others.

• The report revealed a lag in industrial development.
• This lag left the region poorer than its neighbors.
• Several countries showed similar lags in educational progress.

Similar words: falling behind

Common phrases: economic lag, development lag

To move or develop more slowly than other people or things.

• The tired children began to lag behind.
• His reading skills lagged behind his classmates’ skills.
• Why does this region lag behind the rest of the country?

How to use it: lag behind someone/something (Our sales lag behind those of our competitors.)

Similar words: fall behind, trail

Opposites: lead

Common phrases: lag behind, lag behind someone

To take too long to react or work, especially on a computer or phone.

• My phone keeps starting to lag.
• The game lagged whenever more players joined.
• Does your computer lag when you open large files?

Similar words: respond slowly

Common phrases: lag badly, lag during something

To become weaker, slower, or less active.

• Their enthusiasm began to lag.
• Interest in the project lagged after the first month.
• Her energy never lags, even late at night.

Similar words: weaken, flag, slacken

Opposites: strengthen

Common phrases: interest lag, enthusiasm lag