Sloughy

Describing a condition or environment that is muddy, swampy, or boggy; characterized by soft, wet, and often decaying organic matter. It implies a lack of firmness or solid ground, often making movement difficult. The term suggests a damp and possibly unhealthy environment, where decomposition is prevalent. A sloughy area can be a habitat for certain types of plants and animals adapted to these conditions, but it's generally considered undesirable for human habitation or activity due to the wetness, potential for disease, and difficulty of traversing the area. It can also describe a physical sensation, like feeling weak or lacking strength.

Sloughy meaning with examples

• The hiker quickly realized their mistake as their boots sank into the sloughy ground. Every step was a struggle against the clinging mud and unseen roots. Despite the beautiful scenery surrounding the swampy terrain, they regretted not bringing higher boots and choosing a different route through the difficult passage. The air was thick with the smell of decaying vegetation, compounding the challenge.
• After the heavy rains, the farmer's fields became sloughy, making it impossible to plant crops. Tractors bogged down quickly in the saturated soil. The excess moisture stunted the crops, leaving the topsoil unable to cultivate nutrients. This posed a significant setback for the harvest. They were faced with the grim prospect of a delayed planting season due to the waterlogging.
• The battlefield was sloughy, the recent downpour turning the ground into a morass of mud and debris. Soldiers found it difficult to maneuver, their boots constantly becoming caked with soil. Wounded soldiers and those attempting to navigate were at serious risk of sinking. It made what was already a difficult and brutal conflict even more challenging because movement was greatly hampered.
• Her mood felt sloughy after the stressful week, as if she were sinking into a dark and heavy place. She felt emotionally depleted, as the experience had brought her emotional struggles to light. Everything felt exhausting, and she lacked the energy to perform even simple tasks. The weight of her worries seemed to drag her down.