<p>Although fossil-based resin adhesives are widely used because of their good bonding properties and low cost, their environmental pollution and nonrenewability are contrary to sustainable development. Lignin, a natural phenolic polymer with functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl and aldehyde groups, can replace fossil raw materials such as phenol, melamine, etc., for the preparation of environmentally friendly and excellent properties of adhesives, and has the potential to replace fossil-based adhesives. In this paper, the recent research progress and challenges of lignin formaldehyde-based resin adhesives and adhesives directly prepared with low condensation degree lignin were reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions of lignin formaldehyde-based resin adhesives were summarized, and the development potential of lignin formaldehyde-based resin adhesives was prospected. Adhesives prepared with low condensation degree lignin can effectively reduce the dependence on fossil-based adhesives and promote the green transformation of the adhesive industry.</p>