not taut or held tightly in position; loose, showing a lack of effort, care, or involvement, a period of time when something is not busy and there is no particular rush to do anything

cut someone some slack, pick up the slack, take up the slack

Formal and Informal Expressions of slack

In different contexts, you can replace 'slack' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'lax, negligent' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'lazy, slouchy' is a commonplace synonym.

slack: Explore its Definition & Usage

slack Definition

1not taut or held tightly in position; loose
2showing a lack of effort, care, or involvement
3a period of time when something is not busy and there is no particular rush to do anything

Using slack: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "slack" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The rope was slack and needed to be tightened.
Example
He was criticized for his slack performance at work.
Example
During the summer, business is usually slack.
Example
She took up slack in the rope before tying it off.
Example
The company is experiencing a slack period due to the pandemic.

slack Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slack

Antonyms for slack

Phrases with slack

cut someone some slack
to be less critical of someone; to give someone a break
Example
I know he's been slacking off lately, but let's cut him some slack since he's going through a tough time.
pick up the slack
to do the work that someone else has failed to do
Example
I had to pick up the slack after my coworker called in sick.
take up the slack
to do what is necessary to make up for a deficiency or shortage
Example
We need to take up the slack in production to meet our targets for the quarter.

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Summary: slack in Brief

The term 'slack' [slæk] can be used as an adjective, verb, or noun. As an adjective, it refers to something that is not taut or held tightly in position, or showing a lack of effort, care, or involvement. As a verb, it means to take up or remove the slack in something. As a noun, it refers to a period of time when there is no particular rush to do anything. Common phrases include 'cut someone some slack,' meaning to be less critical of someone, 'pick up the slack,' meaning to do the work that someone else has failed to do, and 'take up the slack,' meaning to do what is necessary to make up for a deficiency or shortage.