drop behind
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Go slower than others or not keep up with what you should be doing.
Literal meaning: To move to a position behind someone.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To fail to move at the same speed as others, falling to the rear of a group.
"Two of the hikers dropped behind as the trail became steeper."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To fail to maintain progress at the expected pace, particularly in work, study, or payments.
"If you drop behind in your coursework now, it will be very hard to catch up before the exams."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used for physical movement (running, walking, cycling) and figuratively for tasks, payments, or progress. Very similar to 'fall behind', with which it can often be used interchangeably.
Commonly used with
schedule class pack rivals payments competitors
Forms
Base
drop behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drops behind
he/she/it
Past simple
droped behind
yesterday
Past participle
droped behind
have + pp
-ing form
droping behind
continuous
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Synonyms
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