lagging

Everyday

1. Lagging means falling behind, moving more slowly than others. tree →
2. Lagging is material wrapped around pipes, tanks or boilers to keep heat in and stop them freezing. tree →
3. (computing, informal) A lagging game or video call is slow and jerky because the connection or computer cannot keep up. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life «lagging behind» is said about a runner at the back of a race or a pupil behind with homework. In science lessons about heat and insulation, lagging on a hot water tank saves energy. Gamers complain the game is lagging. Phrases: «lagging behind», «pipe lagging», «the game keeps lagging».

Examples

• My little brother was lagging behind on the walk. tree →
• Put lagging on the pipes so they don't freeze in winter. tree →
• The game is lagging because the Wi-Fi is slow. tree →
• Our team is lagging in the league this season. tree →
• The lagging around the hot water tank keeps the heat in. tree →
• Stop lagging and hurry up! tree →
• The video call was lagging, so her face froze. tree →
• It always went too fast, but that is better than to be lagging behind. tree →

Note

Double «g»: lag → lagging, lagged. «Lag» as a noun is a delay: «jet lag», «time lag». In science problems lagging is a kind of insulation that slows heat loss; it does not make heat.