slackening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "slackening" is a valid and usable word in formal English.
It is a verb that means to decrease in intensity, speed, or activity. Example Sentence: After a few days of hard work, I welcomed the slackening of my workload.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain's outpouring of national grief showed no signs of slackening as the week following the Princess of Wales's death on August 31st went by; rather the reverse.

The Economist

A slackening economy and worsening trade balance have dampened hopes of sustaining foreign investment at last year's $4.7 billion.

The Economist

Having said all of that, they've thrown the rule book out in the past, but there's no signal that they intend to do that.Bagehot: There is also no sign that they are slackening their campaigning, they think they have a long term victory to win.

The Economist

Tumbling commodity prices, due to slackening demand from China and India, mean that Indonesia's traditional sources of revenue, from coal, oil, gas and more, are under pressure.

The Economist

Gurgaon's roadsides are disfigured by deep trenches, where the trunk sewer line waits to be laid.Now that India's economy is slowing and competition for men, materials and money is slackening, India's public infrastructure may have a chance to catch up.

The Economist

As a result, the Democrats' grip on the state has gradually been slackening.

The Economist

Worries about slackening Chinese growth - there was a gloomy report today about the state of China's manufacturing sector - are reinforcing the aversion to the commodity exporters that once carried all before them.

The Economist

Clearly, the threat of losing your home most Americans' biggest asset matters.Wheat and chaffIn theory, increasing entrepreneurship by slackening bankruptcy rules need not be unambiguously good.

The Economist

This came along with warnings that the airline's growth was slackening as its expansion collided with rising costs.

The Economist

Inflationary pressures are mounting and economic growth is slackening in China.

The Economist

The revival in its business activity since 2010 suggests progress is motoring on.So it may come as a surprise that some in Silicon Valley think the place is stagnant, and that the rate of innovation has been slackening for decades.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slackening", ensure the context clearly indicates what is losing intensity or speed. For example, specify "slackening demand" or "slackening pace".

Common error

Avoid using "slackening" when you mean a sudden or abrupt stop. It implies a gradual decrease, not a complete cessation.

Linguistic Context

The term "slackening" functions primarily as a present participle, often used to describe a state of decreasing intensity or speed, consistent with Ludwig's examples. It can also function as a gerund (verbal noun).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slackening" is a versatile term indicating a decrease in intensity, speed, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across varied contexts. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, its nuance should be carefully considered to avoid misuse. Remember, it implies a gradual decrease, not an abrupt stop, and is often followed by a specification of what is losing intensity, such as "slackening demand" or "slackening pace".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing

Focuses more on the reduction in quantity or amount.

diminishing

Implies a gradual reduction, often to near insignificance.

easing

Suggests a reduction in pressure or tension.

slowing down

Specifically refers to a reduction in speed.

abating

Indicates a reduction in intensity, often related to something negative like a storm or pain.

receding

Implies a moving back or away, often used for water levels or hairlines.

waning

Suggests a decline in power, influence, or visibility, like the moon.

tapering off

Indicates a gradual reduction, often in a smooth or controlled manner.

letting up

Suggests a temporary reduction in intensity or effort.

becoming less

A more general term for decreasing or diminishing.

FAQs

How can I use "slackening" in a sentence?

You can use "slackening" to describe a decrease in intensity, speed, or activity. For example, "The "slackening economy" is a cause for concern".

What words can I use instead of "slackening"?

Alternatives include "decreasing", "diminishing", or "easing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "slackening off"?

Yes, "slackening off" is a phrasal verb that means to reduce in intensity or effort. It's commonly used and grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "slackening" and "slowing"?

"Slackening" implies a more general decrease in intensity or activity, while "slowing down" specifically refers to a reduction in speed. "The pace is slackening" suggests a general reduction in activity, whereas "The car is slowing down" refers specifically to its speed.