slacken

[slak-uhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.

   Synonyms: abate, slack, loosen, relax

2. to make or become looser or less taut.

   Synonyms: abate, slack, loosen, relax
   Antonyms: tense, tighten

slacken

/ ˈslækən /

verb

1. to make or become looser

2. to make or become slower, less intense, etc

Other Word Forms

• unslackened adjective
• unslackening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slacken¹

First recorded in 1570–80; slack ¹ + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Retail sales also fell last month, while firms from Walmart to Delta Air Lines have warned of slackening demand.

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The report cautioned that it is too early to determine what caused the rate to slacken.

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Last year — amid a stagnating economy and slackening labor market — it reached record highs.

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It was only by goal number 10 that the pace slackened.

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For Congress to even contemplate a slackening of the regulation that already exists is nothing short of absurd.

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Related Words

• abate 
• diminish 
• loosen 
• mitigate 
• relent 
• retard 
• sag 
• soften 
• subside 
• weaken