slough

[slʌf]

slough Definition

• 1. a swamp, marsh, bog, or pond, especially as part of a bayou, inlet, or backwater.
• 2. a situation characterized by lack of progress or activity.
• 3. to shed or cast off, as dead tissue.

Using slough: Examples

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

• Example

  The slough was teeming with wildlife.

• Example

  The project was stuck in a slough of despond.

• Example

  The snake sloughed off its skin.

slough Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slough

• swamp
• marsh
• bog
• quagmire
• morass

Antonyms for slough

• high ground
• dry land

Phrases with slough

• slough of despond

  a state of extreme depression or despair

  Example

  He was in a slough of despond after losing his job.

• slough off

  to get rid of something unwanted or unnecessary

  Example

  She needs to slough off her bad habits if she wants to succeed.

• slough over

  to treat something as unimportant and ignore it

  Example

  They sloughed over the details of the contract, which led to problems later on.

Origins of slough

from Middle English 'slogh', meaning 'swamp'

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Summary: slough in Brief

The term 'slough' [slʌf] refers to a swamp, marsh, bog, or pond, often part of a larger body of water. It also denotes a state of inactivity or lack of progress, as in 'The project was stuck in a slough of despond.' As a verb, it means to shed or cast off, as in 'The snake sloughed off its skin.' Phrases include 'slough of despond,' indicating extreme depression, and 'slough off,' meaning to get rid of something unwanted.