What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laggard
Example
The laggard employee was holding up the entire team's progress. [laggard: noun]
Example
The company was seen as a laggard in the tech industry due to its outdated systems. [laggard: adjective]
sluggard
Example
The sluggard student never completed their assignments on time. [sluggard: noun]
Example
The hot weather made everyone feel like sluggards, unable to move or think quickly. [sluggard: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sluggard is less common than laggard in everyday language. Laggard is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sluggard is more limited in its usage and tends to be associated with informal or literary language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between laggard and sluggard?
While laggard can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more commonly used in formal or business settings. Sluggard, on the other hand, is more informal and may not be appropriate for formal writing or speech.