Synonyms for “slackness” include “laxity”, “remissness”, and “negligence”.
“Laxity” refers to a lack of strictness or discipline. For example, “There was a certain laxity in security measures at the event.” It implies a looseness or permissiveness that can lead to a lessening of standards or expectations. When there is slackness, there is often an element of laxity present, as things are not as tightly controlled or regulated as they should be.
“Remissness” suggests a failure to perform one’s duties or obligations properly. For instance, “The manager was criticized for his remissness in overseeing the project.” It emphasizes a sense of neglect or carelessness in fulfilling responsibilities. Similar to slackness, remissness implies a lack of effort or attention that can result in subpar performance or outcomes.
“Negligence” refers to a lack of proper care or attention. For example, “The driver was charged with negligence after the accident.” It often implies a failure to take reasonable precautions or to act with due diligence. In the context of slackness, negligence can contribute to a situation where things are not done as thoroughly or carefully as they should be.
In general, these words all convey a sense of a lack of intensity, effort, or responsibility that is characteristic of slackness. They can be used to describe situations where there is a deficiency in performance, discipline, or care.