1 B1 neutral
To move to a position further behind others, especially in a race, competition, or group moving together.
"The lead runner dropped back at the halfway point and let his rival take the front."
inseparable
drop back
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move to a position further behind others in a group, race, or ranking, either deliberately or because of slower progress.
In plain English
Move to the back of a group, or fall into a lower position than before.
What does "drop back" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To fall to a lower position in a ranking or league table.
"After three consecutive losses, the team dropped back to fifth place."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move backward or further behind.
Actually means
Move to the back of a group, or fall into a lower position than before.
Usage tip
Common in sports reporting and descriptions of physical movement in groups. Can be deliberate (a runner dropping back to pace a teammate) or involuntary (a cyclist dropping back due to fatigue).
Words that pair with "drop back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
position field pack rankings second place group
How to conjugate "drop back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drop back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drops back
he/she/it
Past simple
droped back
yesterday
Past participle
droped back
have + pp
-ing form
droping back
continuous
Hear "drop back" in the wild
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Other ways to say "drop back"
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