Definition

Verb: - To become less intense, active, or vigorous; to decrease in pace, effort, or force.

Usage

This verb describes a gradual reduction in intensity, speed, or effort. It is often used to describe a decrease in work pace, the easing of weather conditions, or a decline in someone's level of effort or attention.

Examples

• Verb:
  • After working non-stop for six hours, he decided to slacken off for a bit.
  • The heavy rain should slacken off by this evening.
  • You must not slacken off your studies as the exams get closer.

Advanced Usage

• "to slacken off on something": To reduce one's effort or attention regarding a specific task or responsibility.
  • The manager warned the team not to slacken off on quality control.

Variants and Related Words

• Slacken (verb): To make or become less tight, firm, or taut; to reduce in intensity. (e.g., / )
• Slack (adjective/noun/verb): Describing something loose or not busy; a period of low activity; to be lazy or negligent. (e.g., , , )

Synonyms

• Ease off: To become less severe or intense.
• Let up: To diminish or stop.
• Abate: To become less strong or widespread.
• Taper off: To gradually lessen or reduce.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Slacken up: Similar to "slacken off," meaning to reduce speed or effort.
  • The driver slackened up as he approached the sharp curve.

Related Idioms

• Take one's foot off the gas: To reduce one's effort or slow down.
  • We're almost finished with the project, so don't take your foot off the gas now.

Verb

1. become less intense