phrasal verb · neutral

run behind

/rʌn bɪˈhaɪnd/run be·HIND

speakingtask2

to be delayed or later than planned (often about a schedule or deadline)

Examples

The project is running behind schedule because of bad weather.

We ran behind on this stage of the work and now need extra staff.

If you see we’re running behind, please tell the client.

Band 8 sentence

Due to supply-chain disruptions, the factory has been running behind schedule for three months, which forced management to revise delivery dates.

Collocations

  • run behind schedule
  • run behind on (a task)
  • running behind deadline

Word family

run verbran verb (past)running verb/adj

Common mistakes

The project run behind schedule.The project is running behind schedule.

We are running behind of the plan.We are running behind the plan.

Say it for a higher band

5be late6fall behind7+run behind

Synonyms

fall behind

be delayed

Easily confused

fall behind

Because of staffing problems, the company fell behind its competitors.

Related words

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In run …

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