What is the opposite of “leapfrogged”?

What is the antonym of “leapfrogged”?

The antonyms of leapfrogged are fall behind and lag behind. These antonyms describe a situation where someone or something is not keeping up with the pace of others.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

fall behind

To fail to keep up with others in a race, competition, or task.

Example

After getting injured, he had to fall behind his teammates during the marathon.

lag behind

To move more slowly than others; to be behind in progress or development.

Example

The company's outdated technology caused it to lag behind its competitors in the market.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Fall behind implies a sudden or unexpected setback that causes someone to lose their position in a race or competition.
• 2. Lag behind suggests a slower pace or lack of progress compared to others over a longer period of time.

Good things to know

• 1. Sports: Use fall behind to describe a team or player losing their lead in a game or match.
• 2. Business: Use lag behind to describe a company or product that is not keeping up with the latest trends or innovations.
• 3. Academics: Use fall behind or lag behind to describe a student who is not keeping up with their peers in class.

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Remember this!

The antonyms fall behind and lag behind describe situations where someone or something is not keeping up with the pace of others. Fall behind implies a sudden setback, while lag behind suggests a slower pace over a longer period of time. These antonyms can be used in sports, business, and academic contexts to describe losing a lead, falling behind in innovation, or not keeping up with peers.