behind schedule

Meaning

This phrase describes a situation where a task, project, or event is happening later than planned or taking longer than the set deadline. It is a standard, neutral business term used to report delays to managers, clients, or team members.

Examples

• The construction project is running two weeks behind schedule.

  The construction project is running two weeks behind schedule.

• We are slightly behind schedule, but we hope to catch up by Friday.

  We are slightly behind schedule, but we hope to catch up by Friday.

• Because of the system outage, we fell behind schedule on our deliveries.

  Because of the system outage, we fell behind schedule on our deliveries.

• I'm working overtime this week to avoid falling behind schedule.

  I'm working overtime this week to avoid falling behind schedule.

• If we stay behind schedule, we might have to push back the launch date.

  If we stay behind schedule, we might have to push back the launch date.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We are late of schedule.

  ✓ We are behind schedule.

  The correct preposition to use with 'schedule' to indicate a delay is 'behind,' not 'late of' or 'late on.'

• ✗ The project is running under schedule.

  ✓ The project is running behind schedule.

  'Under schedule' is not a standard English idiom. If you are delayed, you are 'behind schedule'; if you are early, you are 'ahead of schedule.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• Due to the unexpected delays, the team is currently ___.

  💡 Delayed compared to the plan.

  Show answer

  behind schedule

• If we don't hire more help, we will fall ___ with the launch.

  💡 Not meet our planned timeline.

  Show answer

  behind schedule