The Clue
Fails to keep pace (4 letter answer)
The Answer
LAGS
Tags
Notes
The answer LAGS is uncommon, appearing about once every 375 puzzles.
Related Clues
Dallies
Dawdles
Dross
Lingers
Slowdowns
Straggles
Trails
Barrel staves
Falls back
Falls behind
Hangs back
Jet effects
Problems in synchronization
Is seconds behind
Stays behind
Brings up the rear
Doesn't keep up
Isn't caught up
Jet-set problems
Weakens little by little
Definition
LAG as a noun:
1. (slowdown, lag, retardation) = the act of slowing down or falling behind
2. (interim, meantime, meanwhile, lag) = the time between one event, process, or period and another; "meanwhile the socialists are running the government"
3. (stave, lag) = one of several thin slats of wood forming the sides of a barrel or bucket
LAG as a verb:
1. (lag, dawdle, fall back, fall behind) = hang (back) or fall (behind) in movement, progress, development, etc.
2. (imprison, incarcerate, lag, immure, put behind bars, jail, jug, gaol, put away, remand) = lock up or confine, in or as in a jail; "The suspects were imprisoned without trial"; "the murderer was incarcerated for the rest of his life"
3. throw or pitch at a mark, as with coins
4. cover with lagging to prevent heat loss; "lag pipes"