Slackening: meaning, definitions and examples

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slackening

 

[ ˈslækənɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

feeling of slowing down or reducing in intensity

Slackening refers to the act of becoming less active, intense, or strict. It can also refer to a decrease in speed or intensity.

Synonyms

decrease, lessening, reduction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slackening

This word is often used when describing the decrease in intensity, speed, or activity. It can apply to various situations such as work, traffic, or pressure.

  • There has been a slackening in the pace of the project.
  • The slackening of traffic was noticeable after the rush hour.
decrease

This is a general term used to indicate the reduction in number, size, or amount of something. It is commonly used in scientific, economic, and everyday contexts.

  • We need to work on the decrease in customer complaints.
  • The report showed a decrease in unemployment rates this year.
lessening

This word is often used when referring to the reduction in intensity, seriousness, or frequency of something. It is frequently used in contexts involving emotions, pain, or risk.

  • The lessening of tension between the two countries was a positive development.
  • She felt a lessening of pain after taking the medication.
reduction

This word is used to describe a significant and often intentional decrease in quantity, size, or degree. It is commonly used in business, environmental, and policy contexts.

  • The company announced a reduction in workforce to cut costs.
  • Efforts are being made toward the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Examples of usage

  • The slackening of the wind allowed the sailboat to move forward smoothly.
  • There was a noticeable slackening in the team's performance after their previous win.
Context #2 | Verb

to make or become less active or intense

When used as a verb, slackening means to make something less tight, firm, or tense. It can also refer to reducing the speed or intensity of an activity.

Synonyms

loosen, relax, slow down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slackening

This word is often used when there is a decrease in intensity, speed, or activity. It can refer to various situations such as declining business activity, weakening efforts, or reduced tension.

  • The slackening of demand for their products led to layoffs.
  • There was a noticeable slackening of the winds after the storm.
loosen

Typically used to describe the act of making something less tight or strict. It can be used for physical objects or abstract rules and regulations.

  • He needed to loosen his tie before the dance.
  • The company decided to loosen its dress code policy.
relax

Commonly used when talking about reducing stress or tension, either physically or mentally. It can also refer to making rules less strict.

  • She decided to take a long bath to relax after a hard day at work.
  • The new policy allows employees to relax and enjoy more flexible working hours.
slow down

This phrase suggests a reduction in speed or pace. It can be applied to physical movement, processes, or activities.

  • You need to slow down when driving through the neighborhood.
  • We need to slow down production to address the quality issues.

Examples of usage

  • The boss advised the employees to slacken their pace to avoid burnout.
  • She felt the tension in her shoulders slackening as she relaxed.

Translations

Translations of the word "slackening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afrouxamento

🇮🇳 ढीलापन

🇩🇪 Lockerung

🇮🇩 pelonggaran

🇺🇦 послаблення

🇵🇱 poluzowanie

🇯🇵 緩和 (kanwa)

🇫🇷 relâchement

🇪🇸 aflojamiento

🇹🇷 gevşeme

🇰🇷 느슨해짐 (neuseunhaejim)

🇸🇦 تخفيف (takhfif)

🇨🇿 uvolnění

🇸🇰 uvoľnenie

🇨🇳 放松 (fàngsōng)

🇸🇮 sprostitev

🇮🇸 slökun

🇰🇿 босаңсу

🇬🇪 დასუსტება (dasusteba)

🇦🇿 zəifləmə

🇲🇽 aflojamiento

Etymology

The word 'slackening' originated from the Middle English word 'slak' meaning 'slack' or 'loose'. Over time, it evolved to include the suffix '-en' which denotes a causative action. The concept of slackening has been observed in various contexts, from physical tension to the pace of activities, reflecting the universal human experience of ebb and flow.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,480, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.