What does slipperier mean?
Slipperier is the comparative form of the adjective slippery. It describes something that has become more likely to cause someone to slide or fall, such as a wet pavement, an icy road, or a polished floor. The word can also have a figurative meaning: a slipperier situation may be more unstable or difficult to manage, while a slipperier argument may be less convincing or harder to verify. Because it compares two states, slipperier is normally used when there is an explicit or understood contrast with something less slippery. In everyday use, it suggests a noticeable increase in instability, difficulty, or uncertainty. The form is common in both British and American English and is especially associated with descriptions of weather, roads, floors, and other physical surfaces.
adjectiveMore slippery, especially more difficult to stand on, hold, or control. It can also describe a situation or argument that is more difficult to manage or less reliable.
- More slippery; more likely or difficult to slide, stand on, hold, or control.
"The rain made the path even slipperier."
"Ice made the pavement even slipperier."
"The company faced a slipperier economic situation after the sudden downturn."
When a surface becomes harder to handle, slipperier is the word for taking the next slippery step.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of slipperier
The word belongs to a family derived from Middle English slippen, meaning “to slip” or “to slide.” The adjective slippery developed within this English word family, and the comparative ending -ier forms the modern comparative slipperier. Related forms such as slipper and slippage also preserve the same basic idea of sliding or losing a secure hold.
Related word forms
How slipperier is actually used
Slipperier is the comparative form of slippery and is commonly used with physical surfaces, as well as figuratively for situations, arguments, promises, or conditions that are becoming less secure or reliable.
Easily confused with slipperier
A slipper is a shoe or similar item worn on the foot, whereas slipperier means more slippery.