adjective / verb HSK 4
Traditional 落後
to fall behind · backward · lagging · underdeveloped
Meaning
This word describes being behind others in progress, development, or competition. It can refer to technology, economic development, education, or any competitive situation where someone or something has failed to keep pace with others.
Usage
Commonly used to describe regions, technology, ideas, or people that are not as advanced or modern as others. Often appears in discussions about economic development, education systems, or competition. Can carry a slightly negative connotation when describing people or places.
Examples
- 01这个地区的经济发展比较落后。.This region's economic development is relatively backward.
- 02我们不能让自己的技术落后于其他国家。.We cannot let our technology fall behind other countries.
Characters
Common collocations
- 落后地区backward region
- 经济落后economically backward
- 技术落后technologically backward
- 落后于to lag behind
Antonyms
Origin
Literally means 'fall behind', combining the character for falling or dropping with the character for behind or after, creating a vivid image of something or someone dropping back in position.