1 B2 neutral
To become less tight or tense, especially of a rope, muscle, or physical structure.
"The tension in the cable began to slacken off as the load was removed."
inseparable
slacken off
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To become less tight, intense, or busy; to reduce in pace or effort.
In plain English
To become slower or less tight; to stop working as hard as before.
What does "slacken off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To reduce in pace, intensity, or level of activity.
"Sales tend to slacken off in January after the Christmas rush."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral
To reduce one's effort or work output.
"Don't slacken off now — we're nearly at the finish line."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
For something to become slack (loose) to the point of falling off — implying a reduction in tightness.
Actually means
To become slower or less tight; to stop working as hard as before.
Usage tip
Can be used for physical tension (a rope slackening off) or for effort and pace (work slackening off). Slightly more formal than 'slack off'. Common in British English.
Words that pair with "slacken off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pace tension rope effort demand pressure
How to conjugate "slacken off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slacken off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slackens off
he/she/it
Past simple
slackened off
yesterday
Past participle
slackened off
have + pp
-ing form
slackening off
continuous
Hear "slacken off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slacken off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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