The word slow is used often in English, but using it all the time can make your sentences sound plain. Learning synonyms for slow helps you master a more varied and interesting vocabulary. In this blog post, you will discover 100 other words for slow, understand their meanings, and see easy examples of how to use them. Expanding your vocabulary like this will improve your speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills, making your English more natural and confident.
What Does Slow Mean in English?
The word slow is used when something moves, happens, or works at a low speed. It can be used in different situations:
- Movement: A car moving slowly
- Action: Slow progress in work
- Learning: A slow learner
- Reaction: Feeling slow to respond
Knowing synonyms for slow can make your English more interesting and expressive.
Common Slow Synonyms with Meanings
Here are some frequently used synonyms for slow with simple meanings:
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Sluggish | Lacking energy or speed | The river was sluggish after the rain. |
| Lethargic | Feeling tired or lazy | The cat looked lethargic in the sun. |
| Creeping | Moving slowly | Fog was creeping along the street. |
| Plodding | Walking or moving heavily | He took plodding steps up the hill. |
| Crawling | Moving very slowly | Traffic was crawling in the city. |
| Leisurely | Slow and relaxed | We enjoyed a leisurely walk. |
| Unhurried | Not rushed | She spoke in an unhurried tone. |
| Gradual | Happening slowly over time | The temperature increased gradually. |
| Measured | Done carefully at slow pace | He made a measured response. |
| Lagging | Falling behind | His work was lagging behind. |
| Dragging | Moving or lasting slowly | The meeting was dragging on. |
| Delayed | Happening later than expected | The train was delayed. |
| Prolonged | Lasting for a long time | The discussion was prolonged. |
| Slow-paced | Having low speed | He took a slow-paced walk. |
| Steady | Consistent and slow | She walked at a steady pace. |
| Calm | Peaceful and slow | The boat moved at a calm pace. |
| Ploddingly | Slowly and heavily | He ploddingly climbed the stairs. |
| Creeping | Slowly advancing | The shadow was creeping across the wall. |
| Sluggish-minded | Slow to think | He is sluggish-minded in solving problems. |
| Cumbersome | Slow due to difficulty | The process was cumbersome and slow. |
Different Types of Words for Slow
Slow words can be grouped based on how they are used:
Slow in Speed or Movement
- Crawling
- Sluggish
- Creeping
- Plodding
- Measured
Slow in Action or Process
- Dragging
- Prolonged
- Delayed
- Extended
- Hindered
Slow in Learning or Understanding
- Dull
- Sluggish-minded
- Unresponsive
- Cumbersome
- Backwards
Slow in Emotion or Feeling
- Calm
- Patient
- Easy-going
- Unhurried
- Measured
Slow Words by Strength
Some slow synonyms show how slow something is:
| Strength | Synonyms | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Very Slow | Sluggish, Lethargic, Creeping | Traffic was sluggish after the rain. |
| Medium Slow | Leisurely, Unhurried, Steady | We took a leisurely walk. |
| Slightly Slow | Gradual, Moderate, Measured | The change was gradual but clear. |
Slow in Different Contexts
The word slow can change meaning depending on context:
- Movement: “The car moved slowly.”
- Process: “The project is slow due to delays.”
- Learning: “He is a slow learner in English.”
- Reaction: “She was slow to answer the question.”
Slow vs Similar Words
Some words are similar but not exactly the same as slow:
| Word | Difference from Slow | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gradual | Focuses on change over time | The temperature rose gradually. |
| Lagging | Emphasizes being behind | His work is lagging behind others. |
| Sluggish | Focuses on lack of energy | The cat felt sluggish in the heat. |
| Measured | Suggests careful pace | He spoke in a measured way. |
Exact and Near Slow Synonyms
Exact synonyms mean almost the same as slow, while near synonyms are close in meaning:
Exact Synonyms:
- Sluggish, Creeping, Plodding, Lagging, Delayed
Near Synonyms:
- Gradual, Leisurely, Measured, Calm, Unhurried
Using different synonyms for slow can make your English more natural and interesting. By learning these words in different contexts, you can describe speed, actions, learning, and emotions more clearly. Practice them in sentences to improve your English vocabulary and writing skills.
FAQs
What is a better word for slow?
A better word for slow depends on context. Common synonyms include sluggish, gradual, leisurely, creeping, plodding, measured, and unhurried.
What is a word for too slow?
Words for too slow include lagging, dragging, delayed, sluggish, and creeping, often used when speed is noticeably low.
What is a word for very slowly?
For very slowly, you can use gradually, deliberately, ploddingly, sluggishly, or creeping, depending on the situation.
What is slow slang for?
In slang, slow can mean not smart, dull, or taking too long to understand something.
Which words can describe slow movement or speed?
Synonyms for slow movement include crawling, plodding, creeping, sluggish, lumbering, and steady.
What are some synonyms for slow in learning or thinking?
For learning or thinking, slow can be described as sluggish-minded, dull, unresponsive, cumbersome, or backward.