Main Entry: ¹slack

Pronunciation: \ˈslak\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English slak, from Old English sleac; akin to Old High German slah slack, Latin laxus slack, loose, languēre to languish, Greek lagnos lustful and perhaps to Greek lēgein to stop

Date: before 12th century

1 : not using due diligence, care, or dispatch : negligent
2 a : characterized by slowness, sluggishness, or lack of energy <a slack pace> b : moderate in some quality; especially : moderately warm <a slack oven> c : blowing or flowing at low speed <the tide was slack>
3 a : not tight or taut <a slack rope> b : lacking in usual or normal firmness and steadiness : weak <slack muscles> <slack supervision>
4 : wanting in activity : dull <a slack market>
5 : lacking in completeness, finish, or perfection <a very slack piece of work>

synonyms see negligent

— slack·ly adverb

— slack·ness noun