slippage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slippage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as project management, finance, or psychology to refer to a failure to meet a target or a decrease in performance. Example: "The project experienced some slippage in its timeline, causing delays in the final delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pressure had mounted since then for Ritchie to stand down given the continued slippage in support for the SDLP.

The Guardian

I now note the slippage of my social standards; events seemingly acceptable at the time now appear abhorrent.

The Guardian

Some slippage is inevitable: the CSU won 61% of the state vote in 2003, when Bavarians registered their anger against an unpopular government in Berlin.

The Economist

In the Netherlands, where legislation has been in place for the longest time, some researchers seem to have found disquieting signs of slippage.

The Economist

In fact, the easing of bond-market pressure gives him space to look beyond the short term and tackle Spain's chronic problems of low growth and soaring unemployment.To excuse its slippage the government points to Spain's shoddy fiscal performance last year (mostly under Socialist rule).

The Economist

When the EU's man in Ankara, Hansjörg Kretschmer, spoke recently of "slippage" in Turkey's reforms, there was an angry response from the foreign minister, Abdullah Gul.

The Economist

Every advance was followed by slippage and obstruction before, at long last, the job was done.

The Economist

Yasmina Reza, a playwright, wrote of this restlessness as a desire somehow to "combat the slippage of time".

The Economist

The trouble, of course, is that the slippage can accelerate and all those comforts may, sooner rather than later, be menaced too.Despite his cautious conservatism, Mr Stoiber is more likely to listen to those who preach the need for the sort of economic medicine that might court some unpopularity.

The Economist

He is obliged to give them two months to come up with a new plan, including better guarantees to fill the revenue shortfall, which he estimated could total €6.5 billion by the time the project is implemented assuming no further slippage.

The Economist

There will be some slippage: banks won't report their year-end balance sheets until March, and even Mr Akcakoca admits that a 7% capital ratio would be acceptable if they are doing the right things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project timelines or financial performance, use "slippage" to denote a delay or a failure to meet targets. This term is particularly apt when the original expectation was well-defined and the deviation is noteworthy.

Common error

While "slippage" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "delay", "decrease", or "decline" to maintain a natural and accessible tone. Use "slippage" in formal reports and discussions where precision is valued.

Linguistic Context

The noun "slippage" functions as a descriptor of a decline or failure to meet expected targets or standards. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it quantifies the amount something has slipped or lessened in performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "slippage" is a versatile noun commonly used to describe a decline or failure to meet expectations, whether in project timelines, financial performance, or standards. As verified by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "decline" or "setback" may be appropriate in more casual settings, "slippage" provides a specific and nuanced way to convey deviations from anticipated levels. Understanding its proper use ensures clear and effective communication in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline

Focuses on the downward trend or decrease in performance or quality.

deterioration

Emphasizes the process of worsening or decaying.

reduction

Highlights a decrease in quantity, size, or extent.

setback

Indicates a temporary failure or delay in progress.

regression

Focuses on returning to a previous, less developed state.

relapse

Implies a return to a previous state, especially after improvement.

drop

Emphasizes a sudden or significant decrease.

falloff

Highlights a gradual decrease or decline.

erosion

Implies a gradual wearing away or decline.

impairment

Focuses on damage or weakening of something.

FAQs

How is "slippage" typically used in a sentence?

"Slippage" is often used to describe a decline in performance, a delay in a project, or a decrease in standards. For example: "The project experienced some "timeline slippage"." or "There was a noticeable "standards slippage"."

What words can I use instead of "slippage"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "decline", "setback", "reduction", or "regression".

Is it correct to use "slippage" to describe a decline in moral standards?

Yes, "slippage" can be used to describe a decline in moral or ethical standards. Example: "There's been a "ethical slippage" within the industry."

What is the difference between "slippage" and "delay"?

"Slippage" often implies a gradual or unexpected falling behind schedule or a decline in performance, while "delay" more directly indicates a specific postponement or holdup. Slippage encompasses more than just time; it suggests a more general failure to maintain the expected level.