Lag
/læɡ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo move or proceed slowly or to fall behind.
/læɡ/
To fall behind or move slowly
The runner started to lag behind the leaders.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running a race, but you're always a bit slow. Lag means you're falling behind the others. For example, If the internet's slow and your video is pausing, that's 'lag'!
👶 For kids: To be slow or behind others.
More Examples
My computer often lags when I'm trying to play video games.
The economy lagged during the recession.
How It's Used
"The video game experienced severe lag during the online match, making it unplayable."
"She was lagging behind in her studies due to illness."
The amount of time by which someone or something is delayed or slow.
/læɡ/
A delay or the amount of time by which something lags
There was a significant lag in the delivery of the goods.
💡 Simply: Lag is like the time between when you press a button and when something happens on a screen, like a video game or a live stream. If there's a 'lag', it takes a while.
👶 For kids: A delay or when things take a little bit too long.
More Examples
The video game experienced a noticeable lag.
We tried to account for the lag in the data.
How It's Used
"The gamer complained about the lag in the game causing them to lose."
"There was a lag between when the order was placed and when it was delivered."
To be left behind; to fall behind in a race or other pursuit.
/læɡ/
To be left behind or to fall behind in a line or procession
The slow boat started to lag behind the faster vessels.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friends are all walking quickly, and you're having a hard time keeping up. If you are slow and falling behind, you are lagging.
👶 For kids: To be left behind or be slow.
More Examples
She lagged behind the other students in completing the assignment.
The team began to lag after the first half.
How It's Used
"The cyclists were lagging behind on the steep hill."
Idioms & expressions
lag time
The delay or interval between two events or processes.
"The lag time between the initial investment and the return was significant."
From Middle English laggen, perhaps from Old Norse *laggja ('to go slowly, to be slow') or related to Low German or Dutch laggen ('to be slow, to linger').
The term 'lag' has been used since the late 16th century, evolving from its meaning related to slowness.
Memory tip
Think of a slow-moving vehicle, always lagging behind others on the road.
Word Origin
"To be slow, to linger."