What does slower mean?
Slower is the comparative form of slow and is used when comparing speed, pace, rate, or duration of movement. As an adjective, it can describe a person, vehicle, process, or route that moves or proceeds at a reduced rate: "The slower lane was less congested." As an adverb, it modifies a verb, as in "The project is progressing slower than planned." The word is useful in precise descriptions because it does not merely indicate that something is slow; it explicitly establishes a comparison with something else or with an earlier state. In everyday English, slower can imply not only reduced speed but also greater caution, steadiness, or delay, depending on context. Its meaning is clear and stable across standard British and American usage.
Having a lower speed or rate than something else.
"We took the slower route through the countryside."
Use slower before a noun or as a predicate adjective.
At a lower speed or rate than before or than something else.
"The older machine runs slower but uses less electricity."
The adverb often takes "than" when the comparison is explicit.
Slower makes speed comparative: it is the word for when less speed is the relevant point of difference.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slower come from?
The base word slow comes from Old English slāh, meaning "not fast" or "not quick." The comparative form slower developed from the regular comparative pattern used with adjectives. Related words such as sloth and sluggish preserve older senses connected with laziness or lack of movement. Modern English uses the same comparative form for both adjective and adverb functions.
Related word forms
How slower is actually used
As an adjective, slower is normally used with a noun or as a predicate adjective, as in "the slower route." As an adverb, it is often used without "than" when the comparison is understood from context. The spelling is the same in British and American English.
Easily confused with slower
Slower describes a comparative degree of speed or rate, whereas sluggish describes a lack of energy, responsiveness, or activity.
Slower describes reduced speed, while lower usually describes a reduced level, amount, or position.