slashing

American  

[slash-ing] / ˈslæʃ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a slash.

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adjective

1. sweeping; cutting.

2. violent; severe.

   a slashing wind.

3. dashing; impetuous.

4. vivid; flashing; brilliant.

5. Informal. very large or fine; splendid.

   a slashing fortune.

slashing British  

/ ˈslæʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. aggressively or harshly critical (esp in the phrase slashing attack )

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Other Word Forms

• slashingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of slashing

First recorded in 1590–1600; slash ¹ + -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

While reducing reserves is a long-term goal, Gapen said, slashing assets could make the financial system less resilient in periods of economic stress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

In 1913, Henry Ford reorganized his Detroit factory around a moving assembly line, slashing the Model T’s assembly time to 93 minutes from 12.5 hours.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Since taking office, Kennedy has attempted to remake longstanding US vaccine policies, including slashing the number of recommended shots for children and replacing an expert advisory panel with several vaccine critics.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has removed his Malibu mansion from the market—months after slashing $3 million from the property’s asking price.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

They worked in teams, a man slashing the cane, a woman binding every twelve stalks into a bundle.

From "Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science" by Marc Aronson

Related Words

• caustic
• scathing
• stinging
• withering