Behind-the-times

Describing someone or something that is old-fashioned, out of date, or no longer relevant to current trends or practices. This often implies a lack of awareness or understanding of modern developments, particularly in areas like technology, fashion, or social customs. The term suggests a resistance to change or an adherence to outdated methods and beliefs. It can be used to criticize individuals, organizations, or even entire concepts for failing to keep up with contemporary advancements. It can also sometimes be applied affectionately, suggesting a charmingly outdated quality. The core meaning revolves around a disconnect from the contemporary world.

Behind-the-times meaning with examples

• Grandpa's insistence on using a rotary phone and refusing to learn how to use a computer made him seem quite behind-the-times to his grandchildren, who were all glued to their smartphones. His traditional values, however, remained constant and endearing.
• The company's reliance on paper-based systems and outdated marketing strategies put them seriously behind-the-times in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They struggled to compete with more tech-savvy rivals and saw sales stagnate.
• She always dressed in vintage clothing and preferred vinyl records to streaming services, making her seem a little behind-the-times to some, but she loved that style. She enjoyed and cherished items that offered character beyond mass production.
• His belief that women should not be in leadership positions was considered incredibly behind-the-times by the younger generation who saw equality as a fundamental human right, even though the traditionalists considered it part of normal culture.