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."
inseparable
drop behind
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To fail to keep up with others or with a required pace or schedule.
In plain English
Go slower than others or not keep up with what you should be doing.
What does "drop behind" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move to a position behind someone.
Actually means
Go slower than others or not keep up with what you should be doing.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "drop behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
schedule class pack rivals payments competitors
How to conjugate "drop behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "drop behind" in the wild
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Other ways to say "drop behind"
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Keep exploring
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