# get behind with

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-behind-with
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to fail to do work or pay bills on time, so you have more to do later.

For teachers: to fail to make progress or payments according to a schedule, resulting in an accumulated backlog or debt.

## Examples

- I often get behind with my emails during busy weeks.
- If you get behind with the rent, the landlord might ask you to leave the apartment.
- The department began to get behind with the processing of applications after the new regulations were introduced, leading to a significant administrative bottleneck.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I got behind of my work." but "I got behind with my work." — the correct preposition to link the state to the task is 'with', not 'of'.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a task, a payment, or a schedule.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'fall behind with', which is a near-synonym; 'get behind' often implies the state of being late, while 'fall behind' emphasizes the process of losing pace.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.