slack

word

/ˈsɫæk/
slak
/slˈæk/
slak

Definition

Slack describes something that is not tight, active, or busy enough. It can refer to a rope or cloth that hangs loosely, a period of low business activity, or a person who is lazy or not putting in enough effort.

Usage & Nuances

Common with physical things: 'a slack rope', 'slack muscles'. In business, 'slack season' means a quiet period. For people, calling someone 'slack' is mainly British and sounds critical, meaning lazy or careless. Do not confuse it with the app name 'Slack'.

Example Sentences

Business is usually slack in January.

basic

The rope is too slack to hold the boat.

basic

His shirt looked slack after many washes.

basic

Things have been a bit slack at work, so I left early.

natural

Come on, tighten that line — it's gone slack again.

natural

The manager said the team had gone slack lately.

natural