Straggle
(verb)
- To wander or move away from a main group or a set course.
- To spread out in an irregular or unkempt way.
- 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:
- The children straggled behind the teacher on the field trip.
- The flowers in the garden were straggling out of their beds.
- The company was straggling behind its competitors in the market.
- The group straggled along the trail, taking their time to enjoy the scenery.
- The parade straggled on for hours, with many participants falling behind.