behind the times
behind the times (idiom)
/bɪˈhaɪnd ðə taɪmz/
Meanings
- Outdated or old-fashioned; not keeping up with modern ideas, trends, or technology.
- Lacking awareness of recent developments or current standards.
- Holding beliefs, methods, or attitudes that belong to an earlier period and are no longer effective.
- Existing or occurring later than the present time period.
Synonyms: outdated; old-fashioned; antiquated; obsolete; behind the curve; stuck in the past; out of date.
Example Sentences
- The company’s policies are behind the times, ignoring modern workplace flexibility.
- His opinions on technology sound behind the times in a fast-changing digital world.
- The school feels behind the times because it still avoids using online learning tools.
- The remote town appeared behind the times, as if modern life had passed it by.
Etymology and Origin
The phrase “behind the times” merges “behind,” originating from Old English “behindan” signifying at the rear or delayed, with “times,” stemming from Old English “tima” denoting an era or period. By the early nineteenth century, “the times” referred to contemporary conditions or advancements. The preposition “behind” had acquired a figurative sense of lagging or inferiority by the thirteenth century. The idiom thus implies being outdated or not aligned with modern progress, embodying notions of societal evolution where failure to adapt signifies stagnation.
Historical Theories and Beliefs
The expression arose amid beliefs in historical progress, where societies advance through innovation and change, leaving resistant elements behind. It reflects philosophies viewing time as a forward march, with those not embracing new ideas or technologies seen as obsolete. Emerging during Britain’s industrial transformation, it critiqued individuals or institutions slow to adopt emerging norms, without links to specific sectors like military or media in historical accounts.
Country of Origin
The idiom originated in the United Kingdom, appearing in British English amid the era’s emphasis on modernity and reform during rapid societal shifts.
Earliest Printed Record
The phrase’s first documented appearance occurred in 1826 within “The Quarterly Review,” a periodical under the editorship of John Gibson Lockhart. Issued in the January edition, the publication examined various contemporary topics. The specific usage states:
“We are sadly behind the times in naval architecture …”
It’s commenting on perceived delays in maritime design advancements relative to progress elsewhere.
Variants
- a bit behind the times
- well behind the times
Share your opinions