slower; slowest
1
a
: not moving quickly : not able to move quickly
a slow, old dog
a slow runner/pace/speed
b
: not happening quickly : taking more time than is expected or wanted
a slow growth/increase/process
Bureaucracy is always slow.
c
: not operating quickly
a slow computer
d
: not doing something quickly
The buyers were slow to act, and the house was sold to someone else.
: not able to do something quickly
a slow reader/learner
e
: not allowing someone or something to move quickly
a slow racetrack/route
2
: not easily able to learn and understand things
He was a quiet boy who seldom spoke, and some people thought he was a little slow.
3
: not very busy or interesting
a slow market
Business is slow during the summer.
The first few chapters are slow, but after that it gets better.
4
of a clock or watch
: showing a time that is earlier than the correct time
The clock is (five minutes) slow.
5
photography
: not allowing photographs to be taken very quickly or when there is very little light
slow film
slower; slowest
: in a slow way or at a low speed
go/move/walk/drive slow
My computer is working slow.
slows; slowed; slowing
1
a
: to begin to move at a lower speed
The car slowed and gradually came to a stop.
—often + down or upThe car slowed down a little as it approached the intersection.
I slowed up and let the others catch up with me.
b
: to make (something, such as a car) move at a lower speed
The extra weight slowed the truck.
—often + down or upSlow the car down so that I can read the sign.
The extra weight slowed up the truck.
2
a
: to become slower
a slowing economy
—often + down or upBusiness slowed down/up after the holidays.
b
: to make (something) slower
—often + down or up
They tried to slow down/up the process somewhat.
Cite this Entry
“Slow.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/slow. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
