slump around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slump around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving in a lazy or unenergetic manner, often aimlessly or without purpose. Example: "After a long week at work, I just want to slump around the house and relax all weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

coach, were enlisted to turn the recruiting slump around.

The New York Times - Sports

In the end, Herzog's men are dudes who just slump around, waiting for something to happen, and that's when she puts her topical playwright hat on.

The New Yorker

There is an extended analogy between human beings and lobsters, based on the observation that male lobsters that have proven themselves dominant produce more serotonin; he suggests that when people "slump around," like weakling lobsters, they, too, will run short on serotonin, which will make them unhappy.

The New Yorker

Weinberg suffered an acknowledged "drumming slump" around 1980, and his time-keeping skills were criticized by Springsteen.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

On a day when stock markets slumped around the world, though, Samsung Electronics shares fell 4.3percentto to 341,500 won ($294.48).

The New York Times

A graph documenting the last 150 years shows that wages slumped around 1860 before recovering to leave workers no better off by 1870.

The Guardian - Business

Demand from the newly affluent, especially in Asia, is driving much of the rebound in the luxury industry after overall sales slumped around 8 percent in 2009, according to research by Bain & Company.

The New York Times

Apple stock fell back below $90 in early 2009, as shares slumped around the world, but quadrupled after that – thanks to a stream of record-breaking profits and impressive new launches, notably the iPad.

The Guardian - Tech

The writers of the highly successful CBS drama "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" sat slumped around a table one afternoon this month at a studio in this quiet, mountainous region about an hour's drive north of Los Angeles.

The New York Times - Arts

I kept this secret from Ayn, but in the end, compared to Paul, I must have seemed as weak and liberal and unmanly as Ellsworth Toohey, if Ellsworth Toohey had Farah Fawcett hair and was slumping around town all depressed wearing a letter jacket.

The New Yorker

The British company's share price has slumped around 40 percent since the creation of Verizon Wireless, and investors are eager to see a cut of the proceeds, especially since a sale would eliminate billions of dollars in dividends that the joint venture pays out every year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slump around" when you want to convey a sense of dejection, laziness, or lack of energy in someone's movements or posture. It's suitable for describing both physical and metaphorical situations.

Common error

Avoid using "slump around" when you simply mean to describe someone's posture. "Slouch" refers to a habitual drooping of the shoulders, while "slump around" implies a more general state of inactivity and possible dejection.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slump around" is a phrasal verb. It describes a manner of movement or state of being, often connoting laziness, dejection, or lack of energy. Ludwig shows its usage in describing both physical actions and more metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slump around" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrasal verb, although it appears rather infrequently. According to Ludwig, it's suitable for informal contexts and conveys a sense of laziness, dejection, or lack of purpose. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific connotation you want to convey, and consider alternatives like "lounge around" or "mosey about" if a different nuance is desired. Avoid confusing it with "slouch", which refers specifically to posture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lounge around

Indicates a relaxed and idle way of spending time, differing in the nuance of comfort versus the potential negativity of "slump around".

mosey about

Suggests a casual and unhurried movement, lacking the dejected or listless implication of "slump around".

idle about

Implies inactivity and a lack of purpose, similar to "slump around" but potentially less negative in tone.

laze around

Emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment of leisure, differing from the possible negativity associated with "slump around".

hang around

Means to spend time idly in a place, lacking the connotation of dejection or physical posture implied by "slump around".

vegetate

Indicates a passive and inactive state, similar to "slump around" but carries a stronger connotation of mental inactivity.

decline

Focuses on a downward trend or deterioration, differing from the physical or emotional state of "slump around".

fall into disrepair

Indicates a gradual deterioration, typically of a physical object or structure, unlike the human action of "slump around".

be despondent

Focuses on a state of low spirits or unhappiness, differing from the physical action of "slump around".

become listless

Suggests a lack of energy or enthusiasm, focusing on the emotional state rather than the physical posture of "slump around".

FAQs

How can I use "slump around" in a sentence?

You can use "slump around" to describe someone moving or spending time in a lazy, dejected, or aimless way. For example, "After a long day, I just want to slump around the house.".

What is a good alternative to "slump around"?

Depending on the context, you could use "lounge around", "mosey about", or "idle about" as alternatives to "slump around".

What does it mean to 'slump'?

To "slump" means to drop or sink heavily and suddenly. When combined with "around", it describes moving or existing in a listless or dejected manner.

Is "slump around" formal or informal?

"Slump around" is generally considered an informal phrase, best suited for casual conversation or descriptive writing, and less appropriate for formal or professional contexts.