slowness

USAGE SUMMARY

'slowness' is a correct word in written English and can be used to refer to the quality or state of being slow.
Example sentence: My slowness in completing the task was a source of frustration for my supervisor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then May's slowness let in Salako, whose shot was blocked, and amid a tumble of bodies Southgate's cool shot brought the scores level.

The Guardian - Sport

Playing his natural game kept getting him out, and yet he didn't seem to have another beyond the same glacial slowness that descended on Root.

The Guardian - Sport

Even if allowances could have been made for a certain slowness in Rangers to warm up, few, if any, in the stadium could have anticipated the comprehensiveness of Falkirk's superiority during most of the 90 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

I've trumped the barges for slowness.

The Guardian - Travel

I shared a row with a father who kept threatening to "knock [his son] in the head" if he didn't go to sleep; when we finally landed the boy was sleeping soundly, and the father issued similar threats regarding his slowness to rouse.

The Economist

So long as public impatience stays subdued, and Mr Gore keeps the Democratic elite on his side, the fight will probably go on.The Gore argumentsMr Gore's problem lies elsewhere: in the slowness of the legal processes required to overturn the Florida vote in the courts.

The Economist

Beset by difficulties of co-ordination and transport, a massive relief operation to help victims of Haiti's earthquake moved with excruciating slowness.

The Economist

Polls suggest that the BJP's confidence is justified; but it may find itself as dependent as in the last parliament on a motley set of partners.Whereas in India elections move with elephantine slowness, in Malaysia they strike like rattlesnakes.

The Economist

But their slowness to register officially as candidates is an indication of the peculiar dynamics of the race.The main thing holding Republicans back is doubt about whether Barack Obama is beatable.

The Economist

He needed light in small increments: flaring and fading in a paraffin lamp, or dimming with extraordinary slowness on a face (as it dimmed on Liv Ullmann's face in "Persona") until only a silhouette was left.

The Economist

Add the high value of a euro that is inhibiting exports, the suffocating rules of the euro zone's "stability and growth pact" and the slowness of the European Central Bank to lower interest rates (see article), and you have economies whose stagnation has both systemic and cyclical causes.In this section A good beginning Bliar?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "slowness" with adjectives like "excruciating", "glacial", or "painful" to emphasize the degree of delay or lack of speed.

Common error

While "slowness" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "reduced velocity", "deceleration", or "protraction" to convey specific types of reduced speed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slowness" is as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being slow. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slowness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that describes the state of being slow. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Economist and The Guardian, confirms its widespread usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, "slowness" can be used in formal or informal settings. For scientific or technical contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "deceleration" or "reduced velocity". Overall, "slowness" effectively communicates a lack of speed or progress, making it a versatile term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of speed

Emphasizes the absence of rapid movement or progress.

reduced pace

Highlights a decrease in the rate of activity.

lethargic pace

Indicates a sluggish and unenergetic rate of movement.

tardiness

Focuses on the delay or lateness in completing something.

deliberate pace

Suggests a slow and intentional rate of activity.

lack of promptness

Highlights the absence of quick action or response.

snail's pace

Uses a simile to describe an extremely slow speed.

gradualness

Emphasizes the step-by-step or incremental nature of progress.

dawdling

Implies a leisurely and unhurried approach.

laggardness

Describes the condition of falling behind or moving slowly compared to others.

FAQs

How can I use "slowness" in a sentence?

You can use "slowness" to describe the quality or state of being slow, as in "The "slowness of the internet" made it difficult to stream videos".

What are some synonyms for "slowness"?

Alternatives for "slowness" include "lack of speed", "reduced pace", or "tardiness", depending on the specific context.

Is "slowness" a formal or informal term?

"Slowness" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for scientific contexts, more precise terms like "deceleration" might be preferred.

What causes "slowness" in a process?

The causes of "slowness" can vary, from technical issues (e.g., network congestion) to procedural inefficiencies (e.g., bureaucratic delays). The specific cause depends on the context.