fall behind

phrase

Synonyms of fall behindnext
1
: to lag behind
The slower hikers fell behind the group.
2
: to be in arrears
He fell behind in his car payments.

Examples of fall behind in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After Vinson hooked up with senior receiver Michael Bunch for a 28-yard TD strike early in the first quarter, the Blue Devils allowed 26 consecutive points to fall behind 33-7. — Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 Brewers manager Pat Murphy had a discussion with third base umpire and crew chief Vic Carapazza in the third, when Misiorowski fell behind 2-0 on Francisco Alvarez following a walk to Morel. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 The seller gets a full release of liability, so they’re not exposed if the new owner falls behind on payments. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Pulling the plug over unpaid bills People who fall behind on their bills in Oklahoma face an unusually high risk of having their power shut off. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fall behind

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fall behind was in 1652

Rhymes for fall behind

See All Rhymes for fall behind

Browse Nearby Words

fall back on
fall behind
fall between two stools
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fall behind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20behind. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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