slow-moving
Adjective: 1. Moving at a low speed; progressing or operating with little velocity. This describes something that physically moves slowly through space. 2. Developing, changing, or happening at a low rate; lacking pace or progress. This describes something abstract, like a process or situation, that advances very gradually.
The adjective "slow-moving" is used to describe nouns directly. It is typically hyphenated when placed before the noun it modifies. It can describe both concrete objects and abstract concepts. * It is used to describe physical objects that have low speed: a slow-moving vehicle, a slow-moving river. * It is used to describe processes or situations that lack dynamism or progress: a slow-moving bureaucracy, a slow-moving plot.
- Before a noun:
- Drivers should be cautious of slow-moving traffic on the highway.
- The documentary followed the life of a slow-moving sloth.
- Investors were frustrated by the company's slow-moving response to the crisis.
- After a linking verb (e.g., is, was, seems):
- The line at the government office was slow-moving.
- The plot of the novel is intentionally slow-moving, building tension gradually.
- Figurative Use: Often used metaphorically to criticize inefficiency or a lack of urgency.
- The slow-moving legislative process failed to address the urgent issue.
- Compound Modifier: Can be part of a longer descriptive phrase.
- It was a slow-moving, bureaucratic nightmare.
- Slow-moving is the standard adjectival form. The related verb phrase is "to move slowly."
- Slow (adj.): A more general synonym, but "slow-moving" specifically emphasizes the or of motion.
- Sluggish (adj.): Often implies a lack of energy or responsiveness in addition to slowness.
- Leisurely (adj.): Implies slowness by choice, in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
- Creeping (adj.): Suggests very slow, incremental, and often stealthy movement.
- Ponderous (adj.): Suggests slowness due to great weight or dullness.
- Sluggish
- Leisurely
- Creeping
- Gradual
- Unhurried
- Plodding
- Fast-moving
- Rapid
- Swift
- Brisk
- Speedy
- Slow-moving vehicle: A formal term often used in traffic laws and signs for tractors, animal-drawn carts, or maintenance equipment.
- Slow-moving stream: A common description in geography and environmental science for waterways with low velocity.
- moving slowly
- slow-moving cars