slack match

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slack match" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely understood.
It could potentially be used in a specific context, such as discussing a competition or event that lacks intensity or seriousness. Example: "The game turned out to be a slack match, with both teams showing little effort to win."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To evaluate the efficiency of improving accuracy using minimum rough upper bound, we introduce two counters: (a) strict-match-counter (SMC) and (b) slack-match-count (LMC).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"We played well but had a slack couple of last ends but we'd rather it happen in that match than on Wednesday.

BBC

With Duncan scoring only 8 points in the first half, he picked up the slack by matching his playoff-high of 17 points by halftime.

The New York Times - Sports

Orlando was already playing without Tyronn Lue, their starting point guard, who strained a hip flexor Friday, but Juwan Howard picked up some of the scoring slack and matched McGrady's total with 20. "It was my own personal decision to come out and play," McGrady said.

The New York Times - Sports

But we had one dinner where the guys were all mullets, vinyl jackets, grey slacks and matching Velcro shoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Chanel DaSilva, Jason Hartley and Mr. Perry, dressed identically in white shirts, gray slacks and matching ballet slippers, move with supple insouciance and little awareness of one another, suggesting that they are different aspects of the same person.

The New York Times - Arts

Harry wore a white shirt with a grey jacket, navy slacks and matching grey shoes.

Huffington Post

But then comes "Aloha Oe": not a simple song by any means, but a carefree one, with Mr. Cash thinning and sweetening his voice to match the slack-key guitar played by Cowboy Jack Clement.

The New York Times

Garments that come as part of a two-piece suit are best, but if you buy your slacks separately, you should match the color to the color of your jacket.

WikiHow

She wore a pair of gray slacks with a matching jacket and silver hoop earrings.

The New York Times - Magazine

On Sundays, Greg's mother, Karen, would dress him and his two brothers in matching slacks and blazers and take them and their sister to hear Greg Sr .preach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives such as "lackluster match" or "uninspired contest" to clearly convey a lack of intensity or excitement in the game.

Common error

Avoid using "slack match" if you intend to describe a high-quality or competitive game. "Slack" implies a deficiency or lack of effort, not a positive attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slack match" functions as a noun phrase, attempting to describe a sporting event or competition. However, Ludwig indicates that this is not a standard or widely recognized expression in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slack match" is not a common or standard expression in written English, according to Ludwig. While the intention is to describe a match lacking intensity or seriousness, it's advisable to use alternatives such as "lackluster game" or "uninspired match" for better clarity and impact. Using stronger and more recognized expressions ensures effective communication and avoids potential misunderstandings. Despite its occasional appearance, "slack match" is considered grammatically questionable and lacks consistent usage in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lackluster game

Replaces "slack" with "lackluster", emphasizing a lack of excitement or quality.

uninspired match

Substitutes "slack" with "uninspired", highlighting the absence of creativity or enthusiasm.

poorly contested match

Replaces "slack" with "poorly contested", emphasizing the low level of competition.

easy match

Emphasizes the lack of difficulty or challenge in the match.

undemanding game

Highlights the lack of effort required in the game.

relaxed match

Focuses on the casual or informal nature of the match.

casual game

Implies a non-serious or recreational game.

low-intensity match

Highlights the absence of high-energy or competitive play.

effortless win

Describes a win achieved with minimal exertion.

one-sided game

Highlights the lack of competitiveness due to an imbalance in skill or effort.

FAQs

What does it mean if someone describes a game as a "slack match"?

Describing a game as a "slack match" suggests it was uninspired, lacked intensity, or was poorly contested. Alternatives like "lackluster game" or "uninspired match" might be more appropriate.

Are there situations where "slack match" is an appropriate description?

While not standard, "slack match" could be used informally to describe a game where participants aren't taking it seriously or are exerting minimal effort. However, clearer alternatives are usually preferable.

What are some better ways to describe a boring or uncompetitive game?

Instead of "slack match", consider using phrases like "dull game", "uninspired contest", or "one-sided affair" to more accurately depict the game's quality.

How can I avoid misusing the word "slack" when talking about sports or games?

Remember that "slack" generally implies a deficiency or lack of effort. If you want to describe something positive, avoid using "slack" and choose words that convey quality, intensity, or excitement.