relatively slow-moving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively slow-moving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not fast, especially in comparison to other things or in a specific context. Example: "The economy has been relatively slow-moving in recent years, affecting job growth and investment opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The moving content should be gentle, silent, and relatively slow-moving.

HuffPost

They would also be relatively slow-moving, or "cold" in physics jargon, and thus also go by the name of cold dark matter.

The New York Times - Science

Successful intercepts show that missile defense can work against relatively slow-moving rockets.

MIT Technology Review

Hospitals often experience lift congestion as a result of their heavy traffic, complex user types, and relatively slow-moving lifts (due to concerns over safety).

European Journal of Operational Research

The bottom line is that we may be facing a powerful but relatively slow-moving bulldozer — but we should be prepared to jump fast if it turns out to be a bullet train instead.

University of California, Berkeley

Artist Robert Motherwell produced drips and splashes by flicking his brush; Pollock's technique, on the other hand, is defined by the way a relatively slow-moving stream of paint falls onto the canvas, producing the trails and coils.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The limb bones remain relatively unspecialized in slow-moving animals and in those with climbing ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its gestures are relatively simple: short, repeated, slow-moving themes — most seemed to be four evenly spaced notes — are punctuated by lightly dissonant chords and explored in soft-edged, enveloping variations.

The New York Times - Arts

Standing beside a fortress of computers, William Murtagh, a forecaster, described the storm as relatively slow moving.

The New York Times

Traditional piezoelectric inertia motors are generally driven at the quasi-static frequency range, which results in a relatively slow moving speed.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Fans familiar only with the subsequent entries in the Panther series may find this initial film relatively slow moving when compared with the slapstick farces that followed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively slow-moving", ensure the context provides a clear point of comparison. What is it slow compared to?

Common error

Avoid using "relatively slow-moving" without establishing a relevant benchmark. State or imply what the subject is slow compared to, otherwise, the phrase loses its meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively slow-moving" functions as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns by describing their speed in relation to a specific context or comparison point. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "relatively slow-moving" is a grammatically correct and frequently used compound adjective that describes the speed of something in comparison to a benchmark or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While "slow-moving" can be used alone, adding "relatively" adds nuance by highlighting the comparison. Common contexts include News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure the comparison is clear, and avoid using it without establishing a relevant comparison point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparatively slow

Emphasizes the comparison aspect of the slowness.

moderately paced

Focuses on the tempo or rate of movement.

somewhat sluggish

Highlights a lack of energy or dynamism in the movement.

leisurely moving

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace.

unhurriedly moving

Emphasizes the absence of haste.

gradually advancing

Focuses on the slow but steady progression.

progressing steadily

Similar to gradually advancing, highlighting steady progress.

deliberately paced

Suggests a careful and intentional slowness.

sedately moving

Implies a calm and dignified slowness.

inching along

Describes extremely slow and gradual movement.

FAQs

What does "relatively slow-moving" mean?

The phrase "relatively slow-moving" describes something that is moving at a speed considered slow in comparison to something else or in a particular context.

How can I use "relatively slow-moving" in a sentence?

You might say, "The project's progress has been "relatively slow-moving" due to unforeseen complications."

What are some alternatives to "relatively slow-moving"?

You can use alternatives like "comparatively slow", "moderately paced", or "somewhat sluggish" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "relatively slow-moving"?

While "slow-moving" can stand alone, adding "relatively" emphasizes the comparison aspect. It highlights that the slowness is judged in relation to a specific benchmark or expectation.