Holding pattern
Holding pattern noun - An instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business.
Usage example: the couple has been trapped in this holding pattern for six months, as adoption officials create more red tape
Lag and holding pattern are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Lag" instead a noun phrase "Holding pattern".
Lag
Lag noun - The act of slowing down or falling behind.
Holding pattern and lag are semantically related. You can use "Holding pattern" instead a noun "Lag".
Nearby Word: lagging
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Lag and Holding pattern. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/lag
Holding pattern & Lag. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/lag>.
Lag or Holding pattern. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/holding_pattern/lag.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "holding pattern" and "lag" have occurred on timeline