straggler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, semi-formal, literary, military
Quick answer
What does “straggler” mean?
A person or thing that falls behind or becomes separated from the main group.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that falls behind or becomes separated from the main group.
An individual or element that is slow to move, act, develop, or end, thus existing on the fringes of a larger group or process.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, though slightly more common in military contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative, implying disorganisation, slowness, or being out of step.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both; not a common everyday word.
Grammar
How to Use “straggler” in a Sentence
straggler (from/of the group/regiment/party)straggler (in the race/field)straggler (to leave/arrive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “straggler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The column moved off, leaving a few to straggle behind.
American English
- Kids tended to straggle into class after the bell.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used.
American English
- Not typically used.
adjective
British English
- The straggler troops were vulnerable to ambush.
American English
- We need to address the straggler branches of the company.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to customers who are slow to adopt new technology or companies lagging in a sector.
Academic
Used in history (e.g., soldiers), sociology (e.g., social groups), or economics (e.g., developing nations).
Everyday
Refers to people falling behind on a walk or in a crowd.
Technical
Used in military strategy, event management, or data processing for late-arriving elements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “straggler”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “straggler”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “straggler”
- Confusing with 'straggly' (adjective for untidy spread). Misspelling as 'straggeler'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is formal in military/historical reports and informal when talking about friends on a walk.
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'straggler data packets' in networking or 'a few straggler leaves' on a tree.
A 'straggler' is a noun for a person/thing. 'Straggly' is an adjective describing something spread out untidily (e.g., straggly hair).
It can be mildly critical, implying they are slow or disorganised. Context is key; in a friendly hike it's light-hearted, in a military context it's neutral/factual.
A person or thing that falls behind or becomes separated from the main group.
Straggler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstræɡ.lər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstræɡ.lɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the last of the stragglers”
- “a straggler here and there”
- “mop up the stragglers”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'tangled straggler' who gets 'snagged' and left behind.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PROGRESS (so a straggler is not progressing with the group).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, a 'straggler' most likely refers to: