What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slack
Example
The slack in the rope made it difficult to climb. [slack: noun]
Example
He was fired for his slack work ethic. [slack: adjective]
Example
The teacher was accused of being too slack with her grading. [slack: adjective]
loose
Example
The screws were loose and needed tightening. [loose: adjective]
Example
She prefers to wear loose clothing in the summer. [loose: adjective]
Example
The party had a loose vibe and everyone was having fun. [loose: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Loose is more commonly used than slack in everyday language. Loose is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slack is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slack and loose?
Both slack and loose can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but slack may be perceived as more informal due to its negative connotations.
