slackness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slackness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of tension, firmness, or strictness in various contexts, such as physical objects or behavior. Example: "The slackness of the rope made it difficult to secure the load properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If we were to suggest underemployment was the best indicator of employment, you would be arguing that things are worse now than during the 1990 recession: But that said, the current underemployment rate does suggest there is a lot of "slack" in the current employment market – and it is a slackness that has increased in the past 12 months.

The Guardian - Business

A minute or so later United were two ahead after slackness in defence by Foster saw him robbed of the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

On the fiscal side, the question is whether loosening policy to favour growth will raise borrowing costs; on the monetary side, it is whether slackness will stoke inflation.

The Economist

The Home Affairs Committee recently charged the agency with all kinds of slackness, including losing touch with over 100,000 immigration cases.However bad UKBA and the row over it may be, a more serious fight awaits.

The Economist

Competition should also spur domestic companies to greater efficiency because they will not be able to pass on the costs of slackness in higher prices.In addition, free trade means that firms are no longer limited by the size of their home country, but can sell into bigger markets.

The Economist

They have spent the past year shaking up the management the British bosses who allowed such slackness have nearly all left and renegotiating with subcontractors.

The Economist

Given the huge difficulty of evacuating London, the most obvious target, it may be wise to keep its plans away from public scrutiny.More surprising than gaps in government preparations is slackness in the private sector.

The Economist

From the 1980s to the mid-1990s, slandness and gun talk dominated the lyrics of dancehall deejays, the most notable of whom were Shabba Ranks, Ninjaman, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, and Lovindeer (who composed in a calypso idiom).

Encyclopedia Britannica

From 1873 to the mid-1890s the French economy experienced a period of slackness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For Philip IV this involvement turned out to be even more disastrous than it had for Charles V. Spanish leadership, as practiced by the self-willed Castilian grandees abroad, had proved to be energetic and clever, but it was ultimately as devoid of true statesmanship as the slackness of the king and his privado.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition to the explicitly political lyrics of songs of the early 1980s such as "Operation Eradication" and "Soldier Take Over," Yellowman incorporated into his repertoire salacious lyrics that became widely known as "slackness," a Jamaicanism for licentiousness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where standards have fallen, use "slackness" to denote a decline in diligence or attention to detail.

Common error

While "slackness" is widely understood, in highly formal or technical writing, consider stronger, more precise terms like "negligence" or "dereliction" to convey the severity of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slackness" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of being slack, denoting a lack of firmness, tightness, or diligence. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a noun describing a condition or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slackness" functions as a noun to describe a state of being loose, negligent, or lacking rigor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it carries a neutral tone, consider using more precise terms like "negligence" in formal settings. Remember, "slackness" highlights a deficiency, so use it when you want to point out a lack of expected standards or diligence. Common alternatives include "laxity", "remissness", and "carelessness", each offering a slightly different nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laxity

Emphasizes a lack of strictness or care.

remissness

Highlights a failure to fulfill a duty or responsibility.

carelessness

Focuses on the lack of attention or caution.

negligence

Implies a failure to exercise reasonable care, often with legal implications.

lethargy

Suggests a state of inactivity and reduced energy.

lassitude

Indicates a state of weariness or lack of energy.

inanition

Highlights a lack of vitality or energy.

apathy

Emphasizes a lack of interest or concern.

indolence

Implies a disposition to avoid exertion; laziness.

inertia

Focuses on a lack of movement or change.

FAQs

How can I use "slackness" in a sentence?

You can use "slackness" to describe a state of being loose or relaxed, or a lack of diligence. For example, "The "slackness of the rope" made it difficult to secure the load," or "The team's "slackness in defence" cost them the game."

What words can I use instead of "slackness"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "laxity", "remissness", "carelessness", or "negligence" to replace "slackness".

Is "slackness" a formal or informal term?

"Slackness" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, in very formal or legal settings, a more precise term like "negligence" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "slackness" and "apathy"?

"Slackness" refers to a lack of strictness, diligence, or tension, while "apathy" implies a lack of interest or concern. "Slackness" often describes a state of being or a failure to act diligently, whereas "apathy" describes an attitude or feeling.