# get behind

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to fail to do work or pay money on time; to be slower than other people in a race or a process.

For teachers: to fail to maintain a schedule or pace, particularly regarding financial obligations or academic progress; often implies a cumulative delay.

## Examples

- I don't want to get behind with my rent.
- If you miss too many classes, you will quickly get behind in your studies and struggle to catch up.
- The construction project began to get behind schedule due to an unexpected shortage of raw materials and skilled labor.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I got behind of my work." but "I got behind with my work." — use 'with' or 'in' to connect the phrase to the specific task; 'of' is not used here.

## Usage notes

- often followed by 'with' for payments or 'in' for tasks and studies.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'fall behind', which is a near-synonym but often implies a more passive loss of pace compared to the state of 'getting behind'.

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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.