Snail-paced

Describing something that moves or happens very slowly; characterized by a lack of speed or urgency. This term is often used to emphasize frustration or a sense of delay. It implies a methodical, slow progress, resembling the deliberate and unhurried movement of a snail. It suggests that the activity is significantly slower than what might be expected or desired, potentially causing impatience or impacting the achievement of goals. It also sometimes suggests a level of tranquility. The slowness is not always negative but can also describe a relaxed, leisurely tempo. The implication is of a deliberate lack of haste, a slow and steady approach, which may be suitable in certain contexts.

Snail-paced meaning with examples

• The construction project was moving at a snail-paced rate, causing significant delays and frustrating local residents who were eager to see the new library completed. Workers often didn't show up, and decisions were made slowly. People were starting to call the project a neverending story.
• The old dial-up internet connection was frustrating; the snail-paced download speeds made it almost impossible to stream videos or download large files. Even surfing the web felt torturous with constant buffering and wait times; users were stuck in the dark ages
• During rush hour, the traffic on the highway crawled at a snail-paced tempo, turning a normally 30-minute commute into an hour and a half ordeal. Everyone was stuck, and the slow movement added to the stress of the day, making it difficult to make deadlines.
• The couple enjoyed a snail-paced stroll through the botanical gardens, savoring the beauty of the flowers and the quiet ambiance. They took their time to appreciate the small details; they stopped for a long time and watched the birds in their natural habitat. The pace allowed them to relax and connect with nature.
• The negotiation process was described as snail-paced, with weeks passing between proposals and counter-proposals, resulting in a lot of frustration on both sides. They often came in and just stared at each other. No one ever got anything done, until finally everyone just agreed on everything.