noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
lapped; one or more laps behind
Used in racing contexts (running, swimming, motorsports) to describe a competitor who has been overtaken by the leader and is now a full lap behind.
彼は周回遅れになったが、それでも走り続けた。
He fell a lap behind, but kept on running.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Figurative extension of the racing sense, used for people, ideas, or organizations that are lagging behind current trends or standards.
その会社の技術はもう周回遅れだ。
That company's technology is already behind the times.