Drag down Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Impact Used to describe when someone's poor performance affects the whole group. The new policy is dragging down our productivity. Pro Tip 2/3Progress Hinderance Suggests that progress is being slowed down by a particular factor or person. The outdated equipment is dragging down our work rate. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Weight The phrase can imply a sense of burden or difficulty because of someone's actions. His mistakes at work are dragging down our team's morale.