Behind the times Meaning in English
expression
bɪˈhaɪnd/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈtaɪmz
bi-HIND thuh TYMZ
bɪhˈaɪnd/ /ðə, ði/ /tˈaɪmz
bi-HIND thuh TYMZ
Definition
Describes someone or something that is old-fashioned and does not keep up with modern ideas or technology.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often used humorously or mildly critically. Common with verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'feel', and often describes people, ideas, or technology. Synonyms include 'old-fashioned', 'out of date'. Not used for things that were NEVER current.
Spanish: anticuado - pasado de modaPortuguese (BR): ultrapassado - fora de modaPortuguese (PT): ultrapassado - fora de modaChinese (Simplified): 落伍的 - 过时的Chinese (Traditional): 落伍的 - 過時的Hindi: पुराने विचारों वाला - समय से पीछेArabic: متأخر عن العصر - غير مواكب للعصرBengali: পুরোনো ধারণার - সময়ের পিছিয়েRussian: отсталый - устаревшийJapanese: 時代遅れVietnamese: lạc hậuKorean: 시대에 뒤떨어진 - 구식의Turkish: zamanın gerisinde - demodeUrdu: زمان سے پیچھے - پرانا خیالIndonesian: ketinggalan zaman - kuno
Example Sentences
My grandfather is a bit behind the times when it comes to smartphones.
basic
This computer is really behind the times.
basic
His teaching methods are behind the times.
basic
I feel so behind the times whenever I hear about new apps.
natural
Some politicians are just way behind the times on climate change.
natural
Sorry if I'm a little behind the times—I don't use TikTok.
natural