noun
Uncommon
slipping
SLIH-pihng
Slipping (noun) means the act of losing grip or footing suddenly; a skid or sudden slide. Example: “The slipping of the ladder gave him quite a scare.”
noun
1
The act of losing grip or footing suddenly; a skid or sudden slide.
"The slipping of the ladder gave him quite a scare."
"A sudden slipping on the wet tiles sent the tray flying across the kitchen."
"Slipping on icy pavements is a real danger for older walkers in winter."
How to use slipping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe action of sliding or losing footing suddenly — also used informally to mean falling behind or declining, as in "his grades are slipping."
Common pairings
slipping standards
keep from slipping
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Word forms
- Plural
- slippings
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The _____ of the ladder gave him quite a scare.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for slipping
tipping
dipping
ripping
nipping
sipping
yipping
shipping
whipping
dripping
clipping
gripping
flipping
See all rhymes for slipping →
Frequently asked questions
What does “slipping” mean?
The word “slipping” means the act of losing grip or footing suddenly; a skid or sudden slide. In plain terms, the action of sliding or losing footing suddenly — also used informally to mean falling behind or declining, as in "his grades are slipping.".
How do you pronounce “slipping”?
“Slipping” is pronounced SLIH-pihng (/ˈslɪpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slipping” in a sentence?
Here is “slipping” used in a sentence: “The slipping of the ladder gave him quite a scare.”
What part of speech is “slipping”?
“Slipping” is a noun.
Is “slipping” a common word?
“Slipping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'slipping' and 'sliding'?
'Slipping' refers to the act of losing grip or footing suddenly, often unintentionally and abruptly, like a skid. 'Sliding' can describe a controlled or intentional smooth movement, not necessarily involving a loss of balance.
What does it mean when someone says their standards are 'slipping'?
Used figuratively, 'slipping' describes a gradual decline or loss of quality, performance, or control, extending the physical idea of losing grip or footing to abstract situations such as work standards or attention.
What causes slipping on a surface?
Slipping typically happens when there isn't enough friction between footwear or an object and the surface beneath it, such as on ice, wet floors, or polished stone, causing a sudden loss of grip or footing.
