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Glite Dictionary
slack suit

slack suit

6.3
A casual matching set of trousers and jacket worn for informal occasions
  • noun
  • /slæk suːt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : traje informal
  • She wore a navy slack suit to the luncheon, looking effortlessly chic.

Examples

  • The store has a new collection of slack suits perfect for spring.

  • He preferred a comfortable slack suit for weekend outings instead of a formal suit.

  • He wore a slack suit to the party.

  • Do you think this slack suit is appropriate for the meeting?

  • He decided to wear a slack suit to the garden party for a relaxed yet stylish look.

  • For the informal dinner, she chose a light-colored slack suit that was comfortable and classy.

  • At the company retreat, everyone dressed in slack suits to enjoy a more casual atmosphere.

Synonyms

suit
vsslack suit
∞ 1.0

A matching jacket and trousers worn for business or formal occasions

is more casual and meant for informal wear with matching trousers and jacket
pantsuit
vsslack suit
26 3.7

A set of matching trousers and jacket worn together by women

is not limited to women and fits both sexes
lounge suit
vsslack suit
  • UK
1 4.7

A matching jacket and trousers or skirt worn for work and smart events

is more casual and mainly for informal occasions rather than business

How Formal

tuxedo
  • US
80 3.0
business suit
16 1.8
slack suit
  • Archaic
6.3
beachwear
1 2.0

Surface Forms

slack suit singular
slack suits plural

Morphology

slack + suit

The meaning is directly derived from combining 'slack' (loose, casual) with 'suit' (a matching jacket-and-trousers outfit); a learner who knows both words can infer a loose or casual suit. This follows a regular adjective+noun composition and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner would likely understand the MWE without prior exposure.

Etymology

Slack suit comes from the word slack meaning loose or relaxed and the idea of a matching suit. Imagine loose trousers and a soft jacket made to be comfortable rather than formal, so the term means a matching outfit that is 'casual' and easy to wear.