slacker

noun

slack·​er ˈsla-kər 

1

: a person who shirks work or obligation

especially : one who evades military service in time of war

2

: a person and especially a young person who is perceived to be disaffected, apathetic, cynical, or lacking ambition

slacker adjective

Synonyms of slacker

• shirker
• goldbrick
• lingerer

Examples of slacker in a Sentence

The people I work with are a bunch of slackers.

there will be no slackers tolerated in this group—anyone who doesn't do their share will get booted out

Recent Examples on the Web

Mattress slackers do have an excuse, however, since some of the newer mattress-in-a-box brands aren't designed to flip. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026

Directed by John Hughes, the movie stars Matthew Broderick in the titular role of a high school slacker who plays hooky with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara). —Entertainment Weekly, 4 Apr. 2026

On previous records, Jordan’s slacker cadence offered a note of contrast that emphasized her music’s emotional peaks. —Grace Robins-Somerville, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026

It should be noted that Paul Cummins is no slacker himself. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slacker

• acker
• backer
• blacker
• cracker
• hacker
• lacquer
• packer
• stacker
• thacker
• tracker
• attacker
• backpacker

Kids Definition

slacker

noun

slack·​er ˈslak-ər 

: one who avoids work or a duty