Slack
/slæk/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make or become less active, slower, or less intense.
/slæk/
To reduce speed or intensity.
The workers slacked off after lunch.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're running a race, but you get tired. To slack means to slow down a little, maybe walk for a bit, to catch your breath. It's like taking a break from being super active.
👶 For kids: To slow down or take a break from working or playing.
More Examples
He slacked his grip on the rope.
As the storm approached, the wind began to slack.
How It's Used
"The coach told the team to slack off during the warm-up."
"The company decided to slacken production due to a decrease in demand."
Not taut or tight; loose; negligent or careless.
/slæk/
Not tight or taut; loose.
The rope was slack and needed tightening.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rope that isn't pulled tight. It's all wobbly and droopy – that's slack! Or if you're not doing your homework very well, you're being slack with your responsibilities.
👶 For kids: Not tight or not doing your best.
More Examples
He was fired for his slack work ethic.
Don't be slack with your chores!
How It's Used
"The rope was slack, making the task difficult."
"He was reprimanded for being slack in his duties."
The part of a rope, cable, or other material that hangs loosely or is not held taut.
/slæk/
The part of a rope or other material that hangs or moves loosely.
He took up the slack in the rope.
💡 Simply: Think of a rope or a leash. If you're not pulling it tight, the extra, loose part is called slack. You can let out the slack to give something more room to move.
👶 For kids: The loose part of a rope or leash.
More Examples
There's too much slack in the cable.
The dog pulled, and I let out some slack.
How It's Used
"He pulled in the slack on the mooring line."
"The dog pulled on the leash, but I let out some slack."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
slack off
To reduce one's effort or activity; to become less diligent.
"The students slacked off during the last week of school."
give someone some slack
To be more tolerant or lenient towards someone; to allow more freedom or flexibility.
"The teacher gave the student some slack on the late assignment."
From Old English *slac*, *sleac* ('loose, lax'). Related to German *schlaff* and Dutch *slap*.
Used in Old English to describe something loose or lax. The meaning has remained relatively consistent over time, extending to describe laziness or a lack of effort.