Straggle (verb)

  1. To wander or move away from a main group or a set course.
  2. To spread out in an irregular or unkempt way.
  3. To fall behind in progress or development.

Origin:

Mid 16th century (as a noun in the sense "a loose or straggling group of people"): of unknown origin.

Examples:

  1. The children straggled behind the teacher on the field trip.
  2. The flowers in the garden were straggling out of their beds.
  3. The company was straggling behind its competitors in the market.
  4. The group straggled along the trail, taking their time to enjoy the scenery.
  5. The parade straggled on for hours, with many participants falling behind.
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