slack

play

adjective \ˈslak\

Definition of slack

1 : not using due diligence, care, or dispatch : negligent
2a : characterized by slowness, sluggishness, or lack of energy a slack paceb : moderate in some quality; especially : moderately warm a slack ovenc : blowing or flowing at low speed the tide was slack
3a : not tight or taut a slack ropeb : 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

slackly

adverb

slackness

noun

See slack defined for English-language learners

See slack defined for kids

Examples of slack in a Sentence

His broken arm hung slack at his side.
The rope suddenly went slack.
He accused the government of slack supervision of nuclear technology.

Origin and Etymology of slack

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

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First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of slack

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. negligent about writing a note of thanks neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. a society callously neglectful of the poor lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. a reporter lax about accurate quotation slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. slack workmanship remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. had been remiss in their familial duties

slack

verb

Definition of slack

intransitive verb
1 : to be or become slack
2 : to shirk or evade work or duty
transitive verb
1a : to be slack or negligent in performing or doingb : lessen, moderate
2 : to release tension on : loosen
3a : to cause to abateb : slake 3

See slack defined for English-language learners

Examples of slack in a Sentence

They need to stop slacking and get down to work.
the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail

First Known Use of slack

13th century

slack

noun

Definition of slack

1 : cessation in movement or flow
2 : a part of something that hangs loose without strain take up the slack of a rope
3 : trousers especially for casual wear —usually used in plural
4 : a dull season or period
5a : a part that is available but not used some slack in the budgetb : a portion (as of labor or resources) that is required but lacking hired a temp to take up the slack
6 : additional leeway or relief from pressure —usually used with cut refused to cut me some slack on the schedule

First Known Use of slack

1756

slack

noun

Definition of slack

dialectal, England

: a pass between hills

Origin and Etymology of slack

Middle English slak, from Old Norse slakki

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

slack

noun

Definition of slack

: the finest screenings of coal produced at a mine unusable as fuel unless cleaned

Origin and Etymology of slack

earlier sleck, probably from Middle Dutch slacke, slecke slag

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First Known Use: 1729

See Words from the same year

SLACK Defined for English Language Learners

slack

play

adjective

Definition of slack for English Language Learners

: not stretched or held in a tight position
: not busy : lacking the expected or desired activity
: doing something poorly because you are not putting enough care or effort into it

slack

verb

Definition of slack for English Language Learners

: to give little or no effort or attention to work

SLACK Defined for Kids

slack

play

adjective \ˈslak\

Definition of slack for Students

1 : careless 1, negligent They were slack in all things, without order or discipline. — Jack London, The Call of the Wild
2 : not energetic : slow a slack pace
3 : not tight or firm a slack rope a slack jaw
4 : not busy or active Business is slack.

slack

play

verb

Definition of slack for Students

slacked

;

slacking

1 : to make or become looser, slower, or less energetic
2 : to avoid work

slacker

\ˈsla-kər\ noun

slack

play

noun

Definition of slack for Students

1 : a part (as of a rope or sail) that hangs loose without strain
2 slacks plural : dressy pants
3 : a portion (as of work or resources) that is required but lacking He was hired to take up the slack.
4 : additional relief from pressure Hint: This sense is usually used with cut. Can you cut me some slack on the schedule?