slacken

USAGE SUMMARY

"slacken" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb meaning to become or make less strict or intense, or to become or make less active. Example sentence: As the deadline for the project approached, tensions among the team began to slacken.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Industrial action by auto workers did not slacken, but we do not hear of women rocking the corporate boat again.

The Guardian

The setback to GDP will be less serious: growth will slacken to around 2%.

The Economist

With demand set to slacken in America and to accelerate in the euro area, the euro is due a rebound at least, if the past is any guide.In this section More than expected Getting their skates on Built on sand The health effect To the brink, and back again Hard landing Tender bender The euro also rises Firm foundations ReprintsEuro-bulls might also thank better co-ordination among policymakers.

The Economist

Whatever the outcome of investigations into the cause of the explosion on the Limburg, the American authorities are unlikely to slacken in their efforts to confront the dangers from terrorists posed to and by international shipping.

The Economist

The downward pressure on rich-world wages and prices will lift, and globalisation will become an inflationary force instead.Central bankers have a lot to lose if they slacken their grip.

The Economist

Countries like to have new climate laws to show off at such gatherings, which may partly explain why the pace of legislation did not slacken much in 2013.The nature of the laws, though, is changing.

The Economist

GDP growth across the OECD will slacken from 3.6% in 2004 to 2.9% in 2005, picking up to 3.1% in 2006.

The Economist

Beijing's government is worried that the declining number of SARS cases in the capital is causing citizens to slacken their vigilance.

The Economist

In each case, the flow seems unlikely to slacken.

The Economist

Workers' household spending increased by 1.7%, in real terms, in the year to March.In the United States, business investment appeared to slacken.

The Economist

But the crackdown on socially loose behaviour, which after two months has begun to slacken, may also have been driven by a desire to placate conservative clergy in Qom, Iran's most religious city, where several of them have criticised President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for letting standards slip.In any event, the regime has been going out of its way to display its strength.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slacken" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you mean a reduction in intensity, effort, or tautness. This precision enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slacken" passively when an active construction would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "efforts were slackened", consider "they slackened their efforts".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slacken" is as a verb. It describes the action of becoming less tight, intense, or active. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, confirming its role in expressing a reduction of some kind. According to Ludwig AI, "slacken" is a correct and usable word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "slacken" functions as a verb, primarily used to describe a reduction in intensity, effort, or tautness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news and media, with neutral formality, making it suitable for various contexts. Common synonyms include "ease up" and "let up". To avoid misuse, ensure the intended meaning is clear, specifying whether the reduction applies to intensity, effort, or tightness. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Economist and The New York Times highlights its widespread acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ease up

Refers to a reduction in effort or pressure applied.

let up

Implies a temporary reduction in intensity or severity.

subside

Suggests a gradual decrease in intensity, often related to natural phenomena or emotions.

diminish

Indicates a reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

wane

Describes a gradual decline in power, influence, or intensity, often over time.

abate

Similar to subside, but often used in the context of something negative, such as a storm or pain.

weaken

Indicates a reduction in strength or force.

decelerate

Specifically refers to a reduction in speed or pace.

mitigate

Emphasizes lessening the severity or impact of something.

temper

Suggests moderating or softening the effect of something.

FAQs

How to use "slacken" in a sentence?

The word "slacken" can be used to describe a decrease in intensity, effort, or tightness. For example, "The pace of the project began to "slacken" as the deadline approached".

What can I say instead of "slacken"?

You can use alternatives like "ease up", "let up", or "diminish" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "slacken" or "loosen"?

"Slacken" and "loosen" are similar but not always interchangeable. "Slacken" often implies a reduction in effort or intensity, while "loosen" typically refers to making something less tight or restrictive. For example, you might "slacken" your grip or "loosen" a knot.

What's the difference between "slacken" and "relax"?

"Slacken" suggests a reduction in something active, like effort or pace, whereas "relax" often implies a state of rest or reduced tension. You might "slacken" your work pace to "relax".