straggler

/ˈstræɡlə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstræɡlər/ (ame, ipa) · /-g(ə)lə(r)/ (ame, mw)

straggler — noun

  • stragglersingular
  • stragglersplural

1. a lagging member of a moving or competing group, whether human or animal, that r

1.名詞C1
釋義

a lagging member of a moving or competing group, whether human or animal, that reaches the back or arrives well after the others because it cannot keep pace

例句

Darius waited at the gate for the last straggler from the charity run.

collocation: the last straggler from [event]

By noon, one tired straggler was still crossing the field behind the class.

同義詞
  • latecomer

    focuses on arriving after the start time, not specifically dropping behind on the way

  • laggard

    more formal; often criticizes slow progress rather than physical position in a group

  • tail-ender

    informal; especially used for the person at the very back of a line or race

反義詞
  • leader

    the person or animal at the front of the group

  • front-runner

    especially in races or competitions; someone ahead of the others

文法句型

a/the straggler from [group/event]

wait for the stragglers

用法筆記

Usually pictures a group that is still moving together along the same route or schedule. Distinguish from sense 2, which describes someone or something that has separated from the group rather than simply lagging at the back.

常見錯誤

❌We waited for the late person from the hike.
✅We waited for the straggler from the hike.
💡use 'straggler' when someone falls behind a moving group, not just when someone arrives late.
❌The sheep was a straggler because it walked into another field.
✅The sheep was a straggler because it could not keep up with the flock.
💡this sense is about lagging behind, not leaving the group entirely.

2. a person or animal that becomes separated from the rest by wandering away or mov

2.名詞C1
釋義

a person or animal that becomes separated from the rest by wandering away or moving off the usual route, area, or group

例句

Beatrix called the ranger when one young straggler wandered away from the tour bus.

pattern: straggler wandered away from [group]

The farmer brought the straggler back after it drifted into the next field.

同義詞
  • stray

    especially common for animals; stresses wandering away from the proper place

  • wanderer

    broader and more permanent; not necessarily linked to one group or route

  • runaway

    stronger; suggests deliberate escape rather than accidental separation

反義詞
  • companion

    someone who stays with the group or another person

  • guide

    a person who keeps the group on the intended route

文法句型

a straggler from [group/flock]

bring a straggler back

用法筆記

Usually appears with details showing separation from the group or the normal course, such as wandering off, drifting away, or taking the wrong path. Distinguish from sense 1, where the straggler remains with the group but cannot keep up.

常見錯誤

❌The tourists were stragglers because they arrived ten minutes late.
✅The tourists became stragglers when they wandered into the wrong street.
💡in this sense, they must separate from the group or route, not simply arrive late.
❌The last runner was a straggler because she was slow.
✅The last runner was a straggler in sense 1.
💡this sense is for leaving the group or route, not just staying at the back.