slackness

noun

Definition of slacknessnext
1
as in negligence
failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes considering the chemical company's slackness when it comes to safety, it's a wonder there hasn't been a catastrophe

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slack
the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line there's simply too much slackness in this clothesline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slackness In the games so far, there have been quite a few fumbles and an apparent slackness of mind and limb. — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackness
  1. negligence
  2. slack
  3. neglect
Noun
  • The suit alleges that Fox's actions rise to the level of corporate negligence under the Ukrainian civil code.
    — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Irene Perretta died in 2025 at 80 years old after being treated at the Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus, according to a negligence lawsuit filed by her family.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of negligence
Noun
  • Bond yields offered some slack on Tuesday after falling back from their highest levels in years or even decades.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But Canales said his O-line ones and twos picked up the slack all game.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of slack
Noun
  • Each critic portrayed the historical monument as an object of reverence owing to age, with specific reference to the psycho-historical implications of restoration or, conversely, of neglect.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The exemptions don’t just shield faith-healing parents from criminal prosecution for conduct that otherwise would be charged as neglect.
    — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of neglect

Browse Nearby Words

slacking (off)
slackness
slack (off)
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Cite this Entry

“Slackness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackness. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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