slating: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

medium
UK/ˈsleɪtɪŋ/US/ˈsleɪtɪŋ/

Informal for criticism; technical for roofing.

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Quick answer

What does “slating” mean?

The act of criticizing someone or something very severely.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The act of criticizing someone or something very severely.

The process of covering a roof with slates or similar materials.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, 'slating' commonly means harsh criticism; in American English, it is less frequent for criticism and more associated with roofing.

Connotations

In British English, connotes severe, often public disapproval; in American English, neutral for roofing, rare for criticism.

Frequency

More frequent in British English for the criticism sense; in American English, primarily technical usage.

Grammar

How to Use “slating” in a Sentence

transitive verb: slate + object (e.g., 'slate someone')passive: be slated + for + reason (e.g., 'be slated for poor performance')

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
give a slatingreceive a slatingget a slating
medium
slating reviewslating critiquepublic slating
weak
harsh slatingverbal slatingmedia slating

Examples

Examples of “slating” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • The journalist is slating the new policy in her column.
  • He was slating the opposition during the debate.

American English

  • They are slating the roof of the old barn.
  • The contractor slated the project for completion.

adjective

British English

  • It was a slating review from the critic.
  • She faced slating comments online.

American English

  • The slating process requires specialized tools.
  • We inspected the slating work on the house.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in performance reviews or public critiques of companies or policies.

Academic

Rare; may appear in informal critiques of research or presentations.

Everyday

Common in British English for expressing strong disapproval in conversations or media.

Technical

In construction, refers specifically to installing slate roofing materials.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “slating”

Strong

lambastingpanningcastigating

Neutral

criticizingcondemningcensuring

Weak

disapprovingfault-findingchastising

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “slating”

praisingcommendingapplaudinglauding

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “slating”

  • Using 'slating' to mean scheduling in American English (which is incorrect).
  • Overusing in formal contexts where 'criticizing' is more appropriate.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but less commonly for criticism; it is more frequently used in the technical context of roofing.

Yes, in phrases like 'a slating review', it functions attributively to describe something involving harsh criticism.

It is most commonly a noun (gerund) referring to the act of criticizing, but can also be a verb (present participle) or adjective in specific contexts.

Context usually clarifies: in media, reviews, or conversations, it likely means criticism; in construction or DIY contexts, it refers to roofing.

The act of criticizing someone or something very severely.

Slating is usually informal for criticism; technical for roofing. in register.

Slating: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsleɪtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsleɪtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • get a slating
  • give something a slating

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'slating' as 'slating' a movie—giving it a bad review on a slate board.

Conceptual Metaphor

Criticism as physical attack or demolition.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The new play was by the critics for its weak dialogue.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary meaning of 'slating' in British English?