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Slowness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slowness

[ˈsləʊnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

inactivity

The quality or state of being slow; lack of speed or quickness.

Synonyms

languor, lethargy, sluggishness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slowness

General term used to describe the state of being slow, often in reference to speed, progress, or movement.

  • The slowness of the internet connection is frustrating.
  • Her slowness in completing the task was noticeable.
sluggishness

Describes a lack of energy or enthusiasm, often referring to movement or response times. This term usually has a negative connotation.

  • The sluggishness of the machine made the work take twice as long.
  • Due to his sluggishness in the morning, he always struggled to get to work on time.
lethargy

Describes a state of inaction or drowsiness, often due to tiredness, illness, or laziness. This term typically has a negative connotation.

  • The prisoner’s lethargy made it hard for him to focus on anything.
  • After eating the heavy meal, a sense of lethargy overcame him.
languor

Describes a pleasant, relaxed state of tiredness or inactivity, often with a poetic or romantic connotation.

  • She lay in the hammock in a state of languor, enjoying the warm afternoon.
  • There was a languor in the air as the sun set over the horizon.

Examples of usage

  • He moved with a slowness that frustrated everyone around him.
  • The slowness of the internet connection made it impossible to work efficiently.
  • The slowness of the old computer was becoming a hindrance to productivity.
Context #2 | Noun

delay

The quality or state of taking more time than necessary; a delay in progress or action.

Synonyms

delay, procrastination, tardiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
slowness

Use this word when referring to the general lack of speed or efficiency in progress or performance.

  • The slowness of the internet connection frustrated everyone working from home.
  • His slowness in making decisions often caused delays in the project's timeline.
procrastination

Use this word when referring to the act of postponing or delaying tasks or actions intentionally, often with a negative connotation.

  • His procrastination led to a last-minute rush to complete the assignment.
  • Procrastination is a common problem among students, especially during exam periods.
tardiness

This word is used to describe being late, especially in terms of arrival or attendance, often with a negative connotation.

  • Her constant tardiness to meetings was becoming a concern for the team.
  • Tardiness is not tolerated; arriving late to work can result in disciplinary action.
delay

This word is appropriate when referring to a situation where something is postponed or takes longer than expected to happen.

  • The flight experienced a delay due to bad weather.
  • The construction of the bridge faced several delays because of legal issues.

Examples of usage

  • The slowness of the bureaucratic process was causing frustration among the citizens.
  • We cannot afford any slowness in our response to the crisis.
  • The slowness of the decision-making process is impacting the company's growth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Taking things slow can help improve focus and understanding, as rushing often leads to mistakes.
  • In mindfulness practices, slowness is encouraged as it helps people to be present and enjoy the moment.
  • Research shows that slowness can enhance creativity, allowing more time for thought and reflection.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, like Japan, slowness in meal preparation is a sign of respect and care towards the food and those being served.
  • The slow food movement promotes taking time to enjoy food, valuing local ingredients, and connecting with nature and tradition.
  • Many cultures celebrate the idea of ‘slow living’ which focuses on quality of life over the frantic pace of modern existence.

Literature

  • Various authors have used slowness as a theme to signify the depth of human experience, highlighting the importance of savoring life's moments.
  • Poets often employ slow rhythms to evoke feelings of nostalgia or contemplation, mirroring the idea of taking time in thought.
  • Novels set in tranquil settings often portray slowness as a means to explore the characters' inner lives and relationships.

Science

  • Slowness in the natural world, like the movement of certain species, affects their survival strategies. For instance, some animals move slowly to avoid predators.
  • The phenomenon of slow-motion in physics shows how time can be perceived differently when events are made to unfold at a reduced speed.
  • In biology, certain processes such as cell division have 'slow' phases that are crucial for proper health and function.

Technology

  • In digital culture, slowness can refer to a 'slow internet' experience, prompting discussions around the importance of internet access and equity.
  • The concept of 'slow computing' advocates for creating technology that encourages thoughtful interaction rather than fast consumption.
  • Software development often values slowness, emphasizing deliberate coding and testing over quick deployment to ensure quality.

Origin of 'slowness'

The word 'slowness' originated from the Middle English 'slownesse', which in turn came from the Old English 'slawnes'. The suffix '-ness' is used to form abstract nouns denoting a quality or state. The concept of slowness has been present in human experience since ancient times, as people have always been aware of the difference between fast and slow actions.

See also: slow, slowly, slowpoke.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,191, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.