slack off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slack off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is being lazy or not putting in effort, especially in a work or academic context. Example: "During the final weeks of the semester, some students tend to slack off and neglect their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You can't slack off.

The New York Times - Sports

"She doesn't let you slack off.

The New York Times - Sports

Like slack off on defense?

The New York Times - Sports

"Established donors rarely slack off".

The New York Times

"When I'm bored I slack off".

The New York Times

(Graduating seniors: Don't slack off yet. We will publish your July checklist on Tuesday).

The New York Times

If he didn't, then more junior members like, say, Doug Lamborn, might slack off.

The New York Times

So I don't think these are the types of people that would slack off".

The New Yorker

Mathew Donald has five brochure-designing tips, including: "Do not slack off during the proofreading process".

The New York Times

Keep up the gooDowork!

TechCrunch

"You cannot slack off for a single session.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slack off" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates a reduction in effort or productivity. It's often more impactful to specify why someone is slacking off, rather than simply stating that they are.

Common error

Avoid using "slack off" in formal contexts where a more professional term like "underperform" or "decrease productivity" would be more appropriate. "Slack off" carries a somewhat informal and negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slack off" is as an intransitive phrasal verb. It describes the action of reducing effort or being deliberately unproductive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in various contexts to indicate laziness or a decline in performance, demonstrated in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

35%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "slack off" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe a reduction in effort or productivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and frequently used. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the connotation and context, opting for more formal language in professional settings. The phrase appears most frequently in Wiki and News & Media sources. To avoid misinterpretations, clarify the reason behind the reduced effort or consider using alternatives like "shirk responsibility" or "take it easy" for greater precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shirk responsibility

Focuses specifically on avoiding duties or obligations.

goof off

Suggests wasting time on silly or frivolous activities instead of working.

loaf around

Suggests spending time idly, without any particular purpose.

idle away

Means to spend time doing nothing of importance.

coast along

Suggests making minimal effort to maintain progress.

take it easy

Implies relaxing and avoiding strenuous activity or work.

rest on one's laurels

Implies ceasing to strive for further achievement after initial success.

goldbrick

Means to avoid work or duty; deceive or defraud.

dog it

Means to perform work poorly or reluctantly.

dawdle

Implies moving or acting slowly and aimlessly.

FAQs

How to use "slack off" in a sentence?

You can use "slack off" to describe someone who is not working as hard as they should be. For example, "The team started to "slack off" once they secured their playoff spot."

What can I say instead of "slack off"?

You can use alternatives like "shirk responsibility", "goof off", or "take it easy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "slack off" or "slack up"?

"Slack off" is the correct and more commonly used phrasal verb. "Slack up" is less frequent and can sound awkward in some contexts. It is better to use ""slack off"".

What's the difference between "slack off" and "procrastinate"?

"Slack off" implies a reduction in effort or laziness in ongoing tasks, while "procrastinate" refers to delaying or postponing tasks altogether. You might "slack off" on a project you've started, but you "procrastinate" when you haven't even begun.