slouch

[ slouch ]

verb (used without object)

1. to sit or stand with an awkward, drooping posture.
2. to move or walk with loosely drooping body and careless gait.
3. to have a droop or downward bend, as a hat.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to droop or bend down, as the shoulders or a hat.

noun

1. a drooping or bending forward of the head and shoulders; an awkward, drooping posture or carriage.
2. an awkward, clumsy, or slovenly person.
3. slouch hat.
4. a lazy, inept, or inefficient person.

   Synonyms: sluggard, loafer, laggard

slouch

/ slaʊtʃ /

verb

1. intr to sit or stand with a drooping bearing
2. intr to walk or move with an awkward slovenly gait
3. tr to cause (the shoulders) to droop

noun

1. a drooping carriage
2. informal.
   usually used in negative constructions an incompetent or slovenly person

   he's no slouch at football

Derived Forms

• ˈslouching, adjective
• ˈslouchingly, adverb
• ˈsloucher, noun

Other Words From

• sloucher noun
• slouching·ly adverb
• un·slouched adjective
• un·slouching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slouch¹

First recorded in 1505–15; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of slouch¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Yankee Stadium, which was rebuilt in 2009, is no slouch either.

From Los Angeles Times

Shoulders slouched, Mr Jeffries’ face was blank as his lawyer entered his plea of not guilty.

From BBC

He’s dressed up for the occasion in a black suit, although he slouches casually on the sofa.

From Los Angeles Times

When Lamb forces himself to come slouching through, whether in a verbal sword dance with Scott Thomas’ Taverner or with a more physical display of spycraft, it isn’t just surprising, it’s inspirational.

From Los Angeles Times

Set in the lead-up to and aftermath of President Lincoln’s assassination, Booth favors statement pieces such as a black felt slouch hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crouch
• droop
• loll