Lagged

To lag means to fall behind or to move more slowly than something else. It implies a delay or a retardation in progress, development, or the passage of time. Often, it refers to a discrepancy or a difference in the timing or speed between two or more things. In a technical context, it can refer to a delay in signal processing or data transmission. The degree of lagging can vary from slight to significant, and the impact can range from minor inconvenience to serious disruption, depending on the context. The term can also describe someone who is not keeping up with a trend, someone who is a 'laggard', or that a physical thing has delayed action.

Lagged meaning with examples

• The runner lagged behind the front pack after the grueling hill climb, struggling to maintain the same pace. Her fatigue and heavy breathing clearly showed she had fallen behind on their schedule. The sudden downpour did not help at all. She knew she had to try to stay on track. However, her performance greatly lagged, showing how physically and mentally drained she had become. This showed how far she had to go to return to her previous performance level.
• Due to poor internet connectivity, the video conference lagged frequently, causing frustration among the participants. There were frequent pauses of at least a second which resulted in a loss of the information in the middle of words. Several participants voiced concern about the constant stalling that they needed a more stable connection or it would become impossible to participate in their scheduled meeting. It became difficult to communicate important messages during these sessions.
• As the new software was installed, the old computers lagged, taking much longer to process tasks compared to the upgraded machines. The difference in processing power created a performance gap. Tasks were taking longer and some staff were unable to complete work on time. Management began looking for a plan to replace them, even if it meant having to train new staff. They were constantly reviewing options to improve employee productivity.
• The economy lagged behind the projected growth rate due to a combination of rising inflation and supply chain disruptions. There was a severe decline. Experts noted that high interest rates would make it even harder to keep the economy afloat and would likely see more businesses close their doors. The government introduced new measures to try to boost the economy, but those measures were slow to produce an effect.
• The new employee lagged behind the rest of the team in completing their assigned tasks, despite receiving thorough training. She was struggling. She needed extra support to catch up. Her manager provided extra coaching, and the team offered support and helped her stay up-to-date on the projects that she was assigned to complete. As a result, her productivity began to improve and she was starting to see better results.