What is slack? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of slack in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of slack

slackadjective

Slack

/slæk//slæk/

Where does the word slack come from?

The word "slack" has its roots in Old English and Old Norse. In Old English, "slac" or "slak" meant "lazy" or "idling," while in Old Norse, "slaka" meant "to be loose" or "to be relaxed." The modern English word "slack" emerged in the 14th century, initially meaning "to be idle" or "to waste time." Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved, and by the 16th century, "slack" was used to describe something that was loose or lacking in tension, such as a rope or a fabric. In the 20th century, the term "slack" took on new meanings in the context of computing, project management, and other fields. For example, "slack" might refer to the time or resources available between tasks or projects, or it could describe a lack of tension or resistance in a system or process. Despite its evolution, the word "slack" remains linked to its ancient roots, evoking notions of relaxation, idleness, and a sense of freedom.

Vocabulary summary slack

typeadjective

meaningsluggish, slow

exampleto haul in the slack

meaningloose

examplea slack rope

exampleto keep a slack hand (rein): to loosen the reins; (figuratively) to loosen one's grip (on leadership)

meaning(US, US meaning) soft, weak, vulnerable, easily influenced, easily swayed

exampleto have a good slack

typenoun

meaningslack

exampleto haul in the slack

meaningslow period

examplea slack rope

exampleto keep a slack hand (rein): to loosen the reins; (figuratively) to loosen one's grip (on leadership)

meaning(colloquial) play, rest, relaxation

exampleto have a good slack

Example of vocabulary slacknamespace

meaning

not stretched tight

  • She was staring into space, her mouth slack.
  • The rope suddenly went slack.
  • slack muscles
  • Let the reins go slack.
meaning

not having many customers or sales; not busy

  • a slack period
  • Wednesdays are always slack.
  • slack demand for beef
meaning

not putting enough care, attention or energy into something and so not doing it well enough

  • He's been very slack in his work lately.
  • Discipline in the classroom is very slack.
  • We lost because of some slack defending on our part.
  • She knew she had been very slack in her church attendance recently.

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