1 C1 neutral
To be slow in starting or to decelerate after a start
"The sprinter was slow off the blocks and never managed to close the gap."
slow off
C1 neutral intransitive
To decelerate from a starting point, or to be slow in getting started
In plain English
To start slowly or to decelerate from the beginning of something
What does "slow off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To slow from a point of departure
Actually means
To start slowly or to decelerate from the beginning of something
Usage tip
Uncommon and found mainly in technical or sporting contexts, such as describing a vehicle or athlete being 'slow off the mark'. Often replaced by 'slow down' or 'ease off'.
Words that pair with "slow off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mark line start blocks pace
How to conjugate "slow off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slow off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slows off
he/she/it
Past simple
slowed off
yesterday
Past participle
slowed off
have + pp
-ing form
slowing off
continuous
Hear "slow off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "slow off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "slow off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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