slack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a lack of tension, looseness, or a state of being relaxed, often in a context related to work or productivity. Example: "I noticed that there was some slack in the project timeline, allowing us to take a breather before the next phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the impressive finishing, the game lacked finesse for long spells and McCormack almost capitalised on slack Wigan defending for a second time after latching on to a cross-field pass from Michael Turner, only for the striker to be halted by a desperate last-ditch slide from Emmerson Boyce.

The Guardian - Sport

(Charities have picked up some of the slack in rural communities across the world – companies like LunaPads, for example, launched Pads4Girls, a program that provides in-kind donations of menstrual products.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reaching for a similar shelf of inspiration is Texas teen noir We Gotta Get Out of This Place (Metrodome, 15), the junior Jim Thompson mechanics of which tick along nicely enough until a slack finale.

The Guardian - Film

Europe needs to stimulate demand in other ways too, mainly by cutting the member states some budgetary slack.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's often up to student welfare officers to pick up the slack.

The Guardian

If you slack now, you'll find the mixture will really clump and curdle when you come to add the eggs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

England lost their grip once again on Australia's slippery middle order in a slack post-lunch session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but there was some consolation in a feisty bowling performance as the clouds gathered later in the day, and no great surprise that it should be Ben Stokes who provided a sense of incision against the tail.

The Guardian - Sport

My university seems to rely on its recent graduates to pick up the slack from faculty on leave, perhaps because they are cheaper to employ than lecturers and still possess the valuable "Dr" before their name that lends credibility in the eyes of students.

The Guardian

And that really explains United's woes – the depth hasn't been there to pick up the slack.

The Guardian - Sport

It contains information about the sustainability of output and the degree of economic slack.

The Guardian - Business

Related: Is slack science reporting letting down the public?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, use "slack" to denote the amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the overall project timeline. Understanding and managing slack can help you optimize your project schedule.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "slack", meaning loose or relaxed, with "slake", which means to quench or satisfy a thirst. Ensure the context aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slack" varies depending on the context. It can function as an adjective (describing something loose), a noun (referring to a period of inactivity or loose part), or a verb (meaning to loosen or be negligent). Ludwig provides various examples showcasing these different usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Business

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "slack" is versatile, functioning as an adjective, noun, or verb, with meanings ranging from looseness and inactivity to negligence. It's commonly used in News & Media, Business, and Sport contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral, context dictates specific meaning. It's important to differentiate "slack" from "slake". Use it to describe underutilized resources, project timelines, or periods of reduced activity. Be aware of the different contexts to ensure accuracy and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

looseness

Focuses on the physical state of being not tight or firm.

ease off

Indicates a decrease in intensity or effort.

lack of tension

Emphasizes the absence of strain or pressure.

give leeway

Implies providing flexibility or allowance for error.

slow pace

Refers to a reduced speed or rate of activity.

idle time

Highlights periods of inactivity or downtime.

reduce pressure

Emphasizes the act of lessening stress or burden.

economic downturn

Refers to a period of reduced economic activity or stagnation.

room to maneuver

Highlights the availability of space or opportunity for movement or change.

carelessness

Highlights a lack of attention to detail or diligence.

FAQs

How can "slack" be used in a sentence?

You can use "slack" to describe something that is loose (e.g., "The rope had some slack in it."), a period of inactivity (e.g., "Business is slack during the summer."), or underutilized resources (e.g., "There's still some slack in the economy.").

What are some synonyms for "slack" when it means 'loose'?

When "slack" means 'loose', you can use synonyms like "lax", "loose", or "limp" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In economics, what does it mean when there is "slack" in the economy?

In economics, "slack" refers to underutilized resources, such as unemployed labor or unused production capacity. It indicates that the economy is operating below its potential.

What is the difference between "slack" and "sluggish"?

"Slack" often refers to a specific type of looseness or a period of reduced activity, while "sluggish" generally describes something that is slow-moving or lacking energy. For example, business can be "slack" during the summer, or the economy can be "sluggish".