adj
Uncommon
slippery
SLIH-puh-ree
Slippery (adj) means having a smooth, low-friction surface that makes it easy to slide or fall. Example: “Be careful, the floor is slippery after mopping.”
adj
1
Having a smooth, low-friction surface that makes it easy to slide or fall.
"Be careful, the floor is slippery after mopping."
"The icy road was too slippery to drive on safely."
"Wet leaves on the pavement can make the path really slippery."
2
Hard to pin down or trust, especially because someone is evasive or dishonest.
"The politician was slippery about answering direct questions."
"He is a slippery character who never gives anyone a straight answer."
"Customers distrusted the slippery salesman and his vague promises."
How to use slippery
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHard to grip or hold — either literally (a wet surface) or figuratively (a person who dodges questions or commitments).
Common pairings
slippery surface
a slippery slope
slippery customer
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Word forms
- Comparative
- slipperier, more slippery
- Superlative
- slipperiest, most slippery
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Be careful, the floor is _____ after mopping.
Etymology
From Old English slipor ("smooth, slippery"), from the same Germanic root as "slip."
Synonyms
View more →
treacherous
shifty
elusive
untrustworthy
evasive
cagey
glibbery
glidder
gliddery
greasy
lubric
lubricious
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for slippery
See all rhymes for slippery →Frequently asked questions
What does “slippery” mean?
The word “slippery” means having a smooth, low-friction surface that makes it easy to slide or fall. In plain terms, hard to grip or hold — either literally (a wet surface) or figuratively (a person who dodges questions or commitments).
How do you pronounce “slippery”?
“Slippery” is pronounced SLIH-puh-ree (/ˈslɪpəɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “slippery” in a sentence?
Here is “slippery” used in a sentence: “Be careful, the floor is slippery after mopping.”
What is another word for “slippery”?
Words with a similar meaning to “slippery” include glibbery, glidder, gliddery, greasy, lubric and lubricious.
What is the opposite of “slippery”?
The opposite of “slippery” — its antonyms — are adhesive, nonslippery and nonslip.
What part of speech is “slippery”?
“Slippery” is an adjective.
Where does the word “slippery” come from?
The word “slippery” comes from Old English. From Old English slipor ("smooth, slippery"), from the same Germanic root as "slip.".
Is “slippery” a common word?
“Slippery” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between slippery and slick?
Both describe a smooth, low-friction surface that can cause sliding or falling, but slick can also carry a sense of showy or superficial smoothness. Slippery focuses purely on the physical risk of losing your footing.
Can slippery describe a person's character?
Yes, slippery can describe someone hard to pin down or trust, especially if they are evasive or dishonest, as in a "slippery politician."
What is the difference between slippery and slimy when describing a person?
Slippery suggests someone evasive and untrustworthy, while slimy suggests someone unpleasantly ingratiating or morally repellent. The two overlap but slimy carries a stronger sense of disgust.
