# slack off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slack-off
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to work less hard than you usually do or to be lazy when you should be working.

For teachers: to decrease the intensity or effort applied to a task, often due to laziness or a lack of motivation. The verb is typically intransitive but can imply a neglect of specific duties.

## Examples

- If you slack off, you won't finish the project on time.
- The manager noticed that several employees began to slack off once the busy season ended.
- Economic productivity often dips during the summer months as staff members tend to slack off in anticipation of their upcoming vacations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is slacking off his work." but "He is slacking off at work." — when used with a location or activity, it usually requires a preposition like 'at' or 'in' rather than a direct object.

## Usage notes

- usually carries a negative tone and is used to describe a person's work ethic or focus.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'relax' (positive/neutral) and 'procrastinate' (delaying a specific task); 'slack off' describes a general drop in effort.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.