verb
slouch
SLOWCH
Slouch (verb) means to stand or sit with the shoulders and head drooping forward instead of upright. Example: “Don't slouch at your desk all day — it's bad for your back.”
verb
1
To stand or sit with the shoulders and head drooping forward instead of upright.
"Don't slouch at your desk all day — it's bad for your back."
noun
1
A drooping, lazy posture, or (informally) someone who lacks skill or effort.
"He's no slouch when it comes to chess."
How to use slouch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo sit or stand with poor, drooping posture — or, as a noun, an unskilled or lazy person.
Common mistake
"No slouch" is a set phrase meaning someone is actually quite good at something — it looks negative but means the opposite.
Common pairings
slouch in a chair
no slouch
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Word forms
- Plural
- slouches
- Third person singular
- slouches
- Past tense
- slouched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ at your desk all day — it's bad for your back.
Etymology
Origin uncertain, possibly linked to an Old Norse word for a lazy person.
Related words
Rhymes for slouch
See all rhymes for slouch →Frequently asked questions
What does “slouch” mean?
The word “slouch” means to stand or sit with the shoulders and head drooping forward instead of upright. In plain terms, to sit or stand with poor, drooping posture — or, as a noun, an unskilled or lazy person.
How do you pronounce “slouch”?
“Slouch” is pronounced SLOWCH (/ˈslaʊ̯t͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “slouch” in a sentence?
Here is “slouch” used in a sentence: “Don't slouch at your desk all day — it's bad for your back.”
What part of speech is “slouch”?
Depending on how it is used, “slouch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “slouch” come from?
The word “slouch” comes from Old Norse. Origin uncertain, possibly linked to an Old Norse word for a lazy person.
How many meanings does “slouch” have?
“Slouch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to stand or sit with the shoulders and head drooping forward instead of upright.
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