English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word slack in English

What does slack mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

slack

US /slæk/
UK /slæk/

Verb

1.

loosen (something, especially a rope).

Example:
•
slacking the outhaul allows you to adjust the sail
2.

decrease or reduce in intensity, quantity, or speed.

Example:
•
the flow of blood slacked off
Synonym:
reduce lessen slacken slow decrease subside let up ease off abate moderate diminish dwindle fall off drop off ebb recede wane relax loosen up slow down hang loose stay loose decelerate
Antonym:
increase intensify speed up accelerate

Adverb

loosely.

Example:
•
their heads were hanging slack in attitudes of despair

Adjective

1.

not taut or held tightly in position; loose.

Example:
•
a slack rope
Synonym:
loose limp hanging flapping relaxed flexible pliant flaccid flabby sagging saggy drooping droopy soft baggy loose-fitting roomy shapeless oversized ill-fitting bagging
Antonym:
tight taut stretched toned firm tailored
2.

(of business) characterized by a lack of work or activity; quiet.

Example:
•
business was rather slack

Noun

1.

the part of a rope or line which is not held taut; the loose or unused part.

Example:
•
I picked up the rod and wound in the slack
Synonym:
play give
2.

a spell of inactivity or laziness.

Example:
•
he slept deeply, refreshed by a little slack in the daily routine
Synonym:
lull pause respite interval break hiatus breathing space letup breather
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Related Word:
slacks cut someone some slack