WordGarden.ioslack
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈæk/
US
- /ˈslæk/
Meanings
Adjective
loose, hanging, or not pulled tight
lacking energy, activity, speed, or diligence
Proper-noun
the Slack workplace messaging and collaboration software platform
Noun
looseness or an untight part in a rope, cable, or similar thing
Beyond the definition
Imagine a rope hanging between two posts. If it's slack, it droops because it is not pulled tight. That basic idea shows up in many uses of the word. It can describe something loose or not firm, like a slack rope or a slack grip. It can also describe something slow or weak, like a slack business season or slack sales. When talking about people, it can mean careless or not putting in enough effort. You might also hear "take up the slack," which means doing the work that someone else has left undone. The phrase "cut someone some slack" means to be less strict and more understanding.
The word slack has a surprisingly versatile range of meanings, all revolving around the core concept of looseness, inactivity, or deficiency. Originally, it described something physically loose or not stretched tight—think of a sail that's gone slack in the wind or a rope with too much give. This physical sense remains common today: "The belt was so old it had become slack and wouldn't hold my pants up."
Over time, slack expanded to describe things beyond physical tension. It can refer to a period of inactivity or reduced demand, such as a "slack period" in business during the quiet summer months. It also describes a person who is negligent or failing to fulfill their duties: "He was criticized for his slack performance at work."
You'll frequently encounter slack in idiomatic expressions. "Taking up the slack" involves doing extra work to make up for what is missing elsewhere, while "cutting someone some slack" means being less critical or more understanding of their mistakes. Whether you're describing a loose rope, a slow season in business, or a person who is not trying hard enough, slack usually points to something that lacks tightness, energy, pressure, or full effort.
Examples
- 1
Rope tension
The rope went slack when he let go of his end.
- 2
Slow period
Sales are usually slack in January.
- 3
Carelessness
We've been a bit slack about replying to emails lately.
- Patternslack about + task
not careful or quick enough with it
- 4
Planning
There's still some slack in the schedule, so we can fit in one more call.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Teamwork
When Lina was off sick, the rest of the team had to pick up the slack.
- Phrasepick up the slack
do the work that someone else is not doing
- 6
Leniency
Cut him some slack; it's his first day.
- Phrasecut someone some slack
be less strict or less critical
- 7
Work effort
Don't slack off just because the boss is away.
- Phraseslack off
start working less hard
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- slacknounverbadjective
Forms
- slacksverbnounadjective
- slacking-ing formverbnounadjective
- slackercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- slackedpast tenseverbnounadjective
- slackestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun