slowing

slow  (sl)

adj. slow·er, slow·est

1.

a. Not moving or able to move quickly; proceeding at a low speed: a slow train; slow walkers.

b. Marked by a retarded tempo: a slow waltz.

2.

a. Taking or requiring a long time: the slow job of making bread.

b. Taking more time than is usual: a slow worker; slow progress in the peace negotiations.

3. Allowing movement or action only at a low speed: a slow track; a slow infield.

4. Registering a time or rate behind or below the correct one: a slow clock.

5. Lacking in promptness or willingness; not precipitate: They were slow to accept our invitation.

6. Characterized by a low volume of sales or transactions: Business was slow today.

7. Lacking liveliness or interest; boring: a slow party.

8. Not having or exhibiting intellectual or mental quickness: a slow learner.

9. Only moderately warm; low: a slow oven.

adv. slower, slowest

1. So as to fall behind the correct time or rate: The watch runs slow.

2. At a low speed: Go slow!

v. slowed, slow·ing, slows

v.tr.

1. To make slow or slower.

2. To delay; retard.

v.intr.

To become slow or slower.

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[Middle English, from Old English slw.]

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slowly adv.

slowness n.

Synonyms: slow, dilatory, leisurely, laggard, deliberate
These adjectives mean taking more time than is usual or necessary. Slow is the least specific: a slow bus; a slow heartbeat; slow to anger.
Dilatory implies lack of promptness caused by delay, procrastination, or indifference: paid a late fee because I was dilatory in paying the bill.
Leisurely suggests a relaxed lack of haste: went for a leisurely walk by the river.
Laggard implies hanging back or falling behind: "the horses' laggard pace" (Rudyard Kipling).
Deliberate suggests a lack of hurry traceable especially to caution or careful consideration, as of consequences: worked in a systematic and deliberate manner.

Usage Note: Slow may sometimes be used instead of slowly when it comes after the verb: We drove the car slow. In formal writing slowly is generally preferred. Slow is often used in speech and informal writing, especially when brevity and forcefulness are sought: Drive slow! Slow is also the established idiomatic form with certain senses of common verbs: The watch runs slow. Take it slow.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

slowing - a decrease in rate of change; "the deceleration of the arms race" deceleration, retardation alteration, change, modification - an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another; "the change was intended to increase sales"; "this storm is certainly a change for the worse"; "the neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago"