This is the 14418th most frequent Russian word.
отстают
"Отстают" means "lag behind" or "fall behind" in English.
In this sentence, 'отстают' conveys a notion of delay or slowness in mental processing compared to verbal communication.
Её мысли иногда отстают от разговорной речи.
Her thoughts sometimes lag behind spoken speech.
In this context, 'отстают' indicates being behind schedule or progress compared to expectations or peers.
Студенты отстают в выполнении задания.
The students are lagging behind in completing the assignment.
Here, 'отстают' describes a physical lag or misalignment between moving parts.