What does slacked mean?
Slacked is the past tense and past participle of slack. Its literal use describes a rope, muscle, sail, or other object becoming less tense or tight. It can also mean that someone reduced the strictness or intensity of an activity, such as a rule, schedule, or effort. In informal English, 'slacked' frequently carries the implication of having stopped trying hard or neglected responsibilities, as in 'he slacked off before the examination.' The word therefore ranges from a neutral description of reduced tension to a mildly critical judgment about insufficient effort. It is most useful when discussing both physical loosening and the figurative reduction of pressure, activity, or diligence.
verbThe past tense and past participle of slack, meaning to reduce tension, loosen, or become less strict; informally, to neglect one's duties or responsibilities.
- Became less tense, tight, or taut.
- Reduced the strictness, intensity, or effort of something.
- Neglected one's duties or stopped making an effort.
- Reduced the tension or intensity of a situation, often in an informal sense.
"After months of overwork, he finally slacked and took a long weekend."
"The sail slacked as the wind died."
"They had slacked their preparations, and the deadline was suddenly in danger."
From tightening a rope to loosening your work ethic, 'slacked' covers both literal tension and everyday negligence.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slacked come from?
The word comes from the Old English noun and adjective 'slac,' meaning loose, lax, or not firmly held. The verb 'slack' developed from this root and could mean to loosen or reduce tension, while later gaining the informal sense of reducing effort or neglecting one's duties. Related forms include 'slacken' and 'slackness,' which continue the same Germanic root.
Related word forms
How slacked is actually used
In formal writing, 'slacked' most often describes something becoming less tense or less strict. The informal sense of neglecting work or responsibilities is common in everyday speech, especially in the phrase 'slacked off.'
Easily confused with slacked
As a phrasal verb, 'slacked off' specifically means to reduce effort or neglect responsibilities, whereas 'slacked' alone can also mean becoming less tense or loosening something.
'Slacked' is the inflected form of the verb 'slack'; 'slack' is also an adjective meaning insufficiently tight, attentive, or effortful.