behindhand adjective 6adverb 2forms 2 adjective6 •(old-fashioned) Inferior, less advanced (compared with someone in something).[…] I’ll shew you I scorn to be behind-hand in Civility with you; and as you are not angry for what I have said, so I am not angry for what you have said. — 1749 •Late, tardy, overdue, behind (in accomplishing a task, etc.). •Not at the expected point of completion.It was churning day, and there was baking to be done, and the mending was behindhand, and the children needed clothes […] — 1904 •Behind in paying a debt; in arrears.Leo. ... these thy offices (So rarely kind) are as Interpreters Of my behind-hand slacknesse. — 1623 •(no longer used) Behind (someone or something moving, a trend, etc.), lagging behind, not keeping up.I have constantly observed, that the generality of people are fifty years, at least, behind-hand in their politicks. — 1770 •(no longer used) Not having enough of, lacking (in something).[…] I have had for some time a very difficult and laborious respiration, but I am better by purges, abstinence, and other methods. I am yet however much behind-hand in my health and rest. — 1777 adverb2 •(no longer used) Belatedly, tardily. •(no longer used) In debt, or in arrears. formsmore behindhand · most behindhand
