Slackening: meaning, definitions and examples

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slackening

[ˈslækənɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'slackening' comes from the Old English 'slacian', which means to slacken or diminish, reflecting how quickly things can change.
It's a derivative of 'slack', which originally meant loose or relaxed in Old English.
The modern form began to appear in English texts around the 14th century, marking a shift in its usage.

Science

In physics, slackening can describe a decrease in tension in a rope or a similar mechanism, impacting how forces are balanced.
In psychology, slackening might refer to easing stress or anxiety, where individuals slow down and take a moment to breathe.
In environmental science, slackening processes such as soil erosion slow down when vegetation is healthy and active, showcasing earth's natural balance.

Pop Culture

The term 'slackening' is sometimes used in music, particularly in genres like reggae and dub, to indicate a relaxed tempo or vibe.
In movies, the concept of slackening is often illustrated during scenes that depict a character unwinding after achieving a goal.
Popular TV shows often explore themes of slackening as characters take a break from their hectic lives, highlighting the importance of rest.

Literature

In many poems, slackening is used metaphorically to describe emotional release, like a character letting go of grief.
Famous authors use the imagery of slackening to portray a slow descent into despair or the rise of contentment throughout a story.
In classical literature, slackening might refer to the calming of a storm, representing an end to turmoil.

Health

In fitness, slackening refers to letting muscles relax after exertion, which is crucial for recovery and overall well-being.
Yoga emphasizes the importance of slackening tension through poses that allow for deep stretches and releases.
Meditation practices often focus on slackening mental stress to promote mindfulness and tranquility.

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

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.

...
23477 emolument
23478 dismissive
23479 wilting
23480 slackening
23481 flavoured
23482 deli
23483 pampered
...