Definition of "behindhand" in English

adjective

1. (archaic, of a person) Late, tardy, overdue, behind (in accomplishing a task, etc.).

2. (archaic, of a task or the object of a task) Not at the expected point of completion.

3. (archaic) Behind (someone or something moving, a trend, etc.), lagging behind, not keeping up.

4. (archaic) Behind in paying a debt; in arrears.

5. (archaic) Not having enough of, lacking (in something).

   • 1777, Samuel Johnson, Letter to James Boswell dated 25 November, 1777, cited in James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, London: Charles Dilly, 1791, Volume 2, p. 178, […] I have had for some time a very difficult and laborious respiration, but I am better by purges, abstinence, and other methods. I am yet however much behind-hand in my health and rest.

6. (dated) Inferior, less advanced (compared with someone in something).

adverb

1. (archaic) Belatedly, tardily.

2. (archaic) In debt, or in arrears.