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slack

Definition

  • noun: the part of a rope, chain, etc., that hangs loosely
  • verb: to be or become slack
  • verb: to give little or no effort or attention to work
  • adjective: not stretched or held in a tight position
  • adjective: not using due diligence, care, or dispatch
  • sometimes used figuratively to describe a part of something that is available but not used
  • synonyms: loose, negligent, culm

Examples

  • When he didn't get the pay raise he was expecting, he had to take another job to 'pick up the slack'. [=to make up for the money he was not making]

  • The manager has to 'take up the slack' when employees don't do their jobs correctly.

  • We left some 'slack' in the budget so that we can hire more people if we have to.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) He's an out-of-work actor living in a share house. And he drives a Series BMW. Tori, l really think that you need to cut Heath a little bit of slack. His aunt died three years ago and he really needs new headshots. He's just going through a really rough time right now. Okay? You okay? (..)
    2004 White Chicks