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

slough of despond, slough off, slough over

Formal and Informal Expressions of slough

In different contexts, you can replace 'slough' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'swamp, marsh' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bog, quagmire' is a commonplace synonym.

slough: Explore its Definition & Usage

slough Definition

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

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.