Behindhand

Pronunciation varies by accent · adjective

Meaning

(archaic, of a person) Late, tardy, overdue, behind (in accomplishing a task, etc.)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (archaic, of a person) Late, tardy, overdue, behind (in accomplishing a task, etc.).
2. (archaic, of a task or the object of a task) Not at the expected point of completion.
3. (archaic) Behind (someone or something moving, a trend, etc.), lagging behind, not keeping up.
4. (archaic) Behind in paying a debt; in arrears.
5. (archaic) Not having enough of, lacking (in something).
6. (dated) Inferior, less advanced (compared with someone in something).
7. (archaic) Belatedly, tardily.
8. (archaic) In debt, or in arrears.

Example Sentences

These days before the examinations began were very difficult for everybody, and Perrin began that hideous “getting behind-hand” that made things accumulate so that there seemed no chance of ever catching up.

It was now the season for planting and sowing; many gardens and allotments of the villagers had already received their spring tillage; but the garden and the allotment of the Durbeyfields were behindhand.

It was churning day, and there was baking to be done, and the mending was behindhand, and the children needed clothes […]

I have constantly observed, that the generality of people are fifty years, at least, behind-hand in their politicks.

[The public] is so in awe of its own opinion, that it never dares to form any, but catches up the first idle rumour, lest it should be behind-hand in its judgment, and echoes it till it is deafened with the sound of its own voice.

Not long after the start Mr Bhosh was chagrined to discover that he was all behindhand, and he almost despaired of overtaking any of his fore-runners.

Leo. ... theſe thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand ſlackneſſe.

He’s sadly behindhand with his rent, as I was saying, but if he’s really ill, I must see after Sheepshanks, who is a hardish man of business.

Synonyms for behindhand

Antonyms for behindhand

Related Words

Word Forms

• more behindhand
• most behindhand
• behind-hand

Usage Notes

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