Definition
掉队 means 'to fall behind' specifically by dropping out of a moving group (march, race, class) — it's about losing contact with the team. 落后 (luò hòu) is broader: falling behind in progress, technology, or development, and can also mean 'backward'. 滞后 (zhì hòu) is formal, used for processes or systems that are delayed or slower than expected.
verb
to fall behindto drop out (of a group, team, or competition)
Examples
- 。Tā yīnwèi shòushāng ér diào le duì.He fell behind because of an injury.
- ，掉队。Xuéxí shàng rúguǒ sōngxiè, hěn róngyì diào duì.If you slack off in your studies, it's easy to fall behind.
- 掉队。Zhè cì xíngjūn méiyǒu rén diào duì.No one fell behind during this march.
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