slacken off
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To become slower or less tight; to stop working as hard as before.
Literal meaning: For something to become slack (loose) to the point of falling off — implying a reduction in tightness.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To reduce in pace, intensity, or level of activity.
"Sales tend to slacken off in January after the Christmas rush."
Grammar: 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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
pace tension rope effort demand pressure
Forms
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
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