Laggard

Noun

Definition: A person who makes slow progress and falls behind others.

Synonyms: Slowpoke, Straggler, Dawdler

Antonyms: Leader, Frontrunner, Achiever

Examples:

Tom is always the laggard in our running group, finishing the race long after everyone else.
The company's laggards were given additional training to help them catch up to the rest of the team.

Mnemonics:

Think of a person dragging their feet and falling behind, like a laggard.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "laggard" originated in the 1570s and comes from the Middle English word "lagard," meaning "slow, tardy, or stupid." It is derived from the Old Norse word "leggja," meaning "to lay down" or "to put down."

Historical Usage:

The term has been used to describe slow or lazy individuals for centuries, indicating a person who lags behind or does not keep up with others.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Last of the laggards"

Explanation:

Refers to someone who is the very last in a group or category of slow movers, often implying a lack of progress or improvement.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Considering a laggard only in terms of performance.

Explanation:

While the term primarily relates to slow progress or falling behind others, it can also refer to someone who resists or hesitates to adopt new ideas or technologies, even if their performance is not slow.