Straggler
noun
Someone or something that is behind the others in a group, often because they are moving or working more slowly.
Even after running for an hour, John still waited at the finish line for any stragglers.
Often appears as...
- late straggler
- lone straggler
noun
A plant or animal that has stayed out of its natural group or area.
The biologists are fascinated to study a straggler Leopard found outside its natural habitat.
Often appears as...
- straggler plant
- straggler animal
Usage tips
Scientific
noun
Someone or something that is behind the others in a group, often because they are moving or working more slowly.
Even after running for an hour, John still waited at the finish line for any stragglers.
Often appears as...
- late straggler
- lone straggler
noun
A plant or animal that has stayed out of its natural group or area.
The biologists are fascinated to study a straggler Leopard found outside its natural habitat.
Often appears as...
- straggler plant
- straggler animal
Usage tips
Scientific
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Group Activities
Used in contexts where individuals are expected to perform as part of a group.
In our class trip, we had to wait for the stragglers to catch up before we could continue.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Negative
'Straggler' isn't always negative; it could imply someone's effort despite obstacles.
Despite being a straggler, she finished the marathon with a smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can describe someone lagging in non-physical situations, like learning or work.
He's a bit of a straggler in math, but he's improving.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Activities
Used in contexts where individuals are expected to perform as part of a group.
In our class trip, we had to wait for the stragglers to catch up before we could continue.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Negative
'Straggler' isn't always negative; it could imply someone's effort despite obstacles.
Despite being a straggler, she finished the marathon with a smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can describe someone lagging in non-physical situations, like learning or work.
He's a bit of a straggler in math, but he's improving.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Activities
Used in contexts where individuals are expected to perform as part of a group.
In our class trip, we had to wait for the stragglers to catch up before we could continue.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Negative
'Straggler' isn't always negative; it could imply someone's effort despite obstacles.
Despite being a straggler, she finished the marathon with a smile.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can describe someone lagging in non-physical situations, like learning or work.
He's a bit of a straggler in math, but he's improving.
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Video examples
5 Amazing Animal...
with to back in the den and one on its way there's only one straggler left to worry about
Video examples
5 Amazing Animal...
with to back in the den and one on its way there's only one straggler left to worry about
Example 1 of 1
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