Slipperiness: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe surfaces or conditions that make it easy to slip, often related to ice, water, or other fluids.

• The slipperiness of the ice made walking very difficult
• The roads were closed due to their slipperiness during the storm

Describes something that is smooth, glossy, and often wet, making it slippery. Can also mean something clever or superficially attractive.

• The rain gave the streets a dangerous slickness
• The salesman's slickness made him charming but untrustworthy

Used to describe a texture that is even and free from roughness or irregularities. Can also refer to actions or processes that are effortless.

• The smoothness of the silk was pleasant to the touch
• The project's smoothness was due to careful planning

Refers to the presence of oil or grease, making a surface or object feel oily or dirty. Often used in a culinary context or to describe someone's hair or skin.

• The greasiness of the fries made them difficult to hold
• Her hair looked unwashed and had a noticeable greasiness

Used to describe the physical quality of being smooth, wet, or greasy, which makes things hard to hold or stand on. Can also describe a figurative sense of being unreliable or difficult to pin down.

• The foor's slipperiness caused many to fall during the party.
• His slipperiness in giving direct answers made the negotiation challenging.

Characterized by avoidance or not giving a straight answer to avoid confrontation or disclosure. This term has a negative connotation as it implies deceit or reluctance to be straightforward.

• His evasiveness about his whereabouts raised suspicion.
• She answered with such evasiveness that it was clear she was hiding something.

Describes something or someone who is difficult to find, catch, or achieve. Often used for abstract concepts or things that require effort to grasp.

• The elusiveness of true happiness is a common theme in literature.
• Despite his fame, the singer's elusiveness keeps his personal life private.

Refers to a situation or statement that is unclear because it can be understood in more than one way. Often used in contexts where clarity is crucial, like communication, literature, or analysis.

• The ambiguity in her instructions left everyone confused.
• The author intentionally used ambiguity to enrich the poem's meaning.