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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | slaw |
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slow1 S2 W2
comparative slower, superlative slowest
comparative slower, superlative slowest1 not moving, being done, or happening quickly [≠ quick, fast; ↪ slowly]: 
The car was travelling at a very slow speed.a slow walker The economy faces a year of slower growth. Take a few deep, slow breaths.
not quick
The car was travelling at a very slow speed.a slow walkerThe economy faces a year of slower growth.Take a few deep, slow breaths.2 taking too long [≠ fast]: Taylor was concerned at the slow progress of the investigations.
taking too long
Taylor was concerned at the slow progress of the investigations.3 if you are slow to do something, you do not do it as soon as you can or should
with delay
[not before noun] slow to do something Farmers have been slow to exploit this market. Their attitude was slow to change.
Farmers have been slow to exploit this market.Their attitude was slow to change. slow in doing something He has been slow in announcing the name of his successor. New ideas have been slow in coming.
He has been slow in announcing the name of his successor.New ideas have been slow in coming.4 taking a longer time than something similar [≠ fast]: the slow train (=one that stops at more stations)
longer time
the slow train (=one that stops at more stations)5 if business or trade is slow, there are not many customers or not much is sold : Business is often slow in the afternoon. The company is experiencing slow sales.
business
Business is often slow in the afternoon.The company is experiencing slow sales.6 if a clock or watch is slow, it is showing a time earlier than the correct time [≠ fast]
clock
[not before noun]7 not good or quick at understanding things : Teaching assistants have time to help the slower pupils.
not clever
Teaching assistants have time to help the slower pupils.8 not quick to understand something new : Sometimes Tim's a little slow on the uptake.
slow on the uptake
Sometimes Tim's a little slow on the uptake.10 to slowly get angry : Tony fumbled the ball and I could see the coach doing a slow burn.
do a slow burn
American English informalTony fumbled the ball and I could see the coach doing a slow burn.11 if a group of people give someone a slow handclap, they clap their hands slowly to show their disapproval
slow handclap
British English13 a slow film does not react to light very easily
photography
—slowness noun [uncountable]
