OpenSynonym

sag

/sæɡ/

NOUN

1. Downward bending or drooping

A condition in which something bends, hangs, or sinks downward, typically because of its own weight, applied pressure, or loss of support.

1.1. Physical structures and materials

Describes a downward curve, bend, or droop in a physical object or structure, such as a mattress, roof, shelf, fabric, or suspended material.

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Examples

  • The old mattress developed a noticeable sag in the middle.
  • The heavy books caused a sag in the wooden shelf.
  • The roof showed signs of sag after years of exposure to heavy snow.

Related Words

1.2. Suspended cables and ropes

Refers to the downward curvature or vertical displacement of a suspended wire, cable, chain, or rope between its supporting points.

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Examples

  • The engineer calculated the sag of the cable between the two towers.
  • Excessive sag in the power lines could create a safety hazard.

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NOUN

2. A decline in strength, activity, or performance

A gradual reduction in strength, energy, effectiveness, intensity, or level of activity, often resulting in a weaker or less successful condition.

2.1. Business and economic performance

Describes a downward movement or decline in business activity, sales, demand, productivity, or economic performance.

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Examples

  • The company experienced a sudden sag in sales during the final quarter.
  • A temporary sag in consumer demand affected the retail industry.

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2.2. Energy and enthusiasm

Describes a reduction in enthusiasm, motivation, morale, or emotional energy, particularly when someone becomes discouraged or less active.

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Examples

  • There was a noticeable sag in team morale after the unexpected defeat.
  • Her enthusiasm experienced a temporary sag during the difficult project.

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VERB

3. To bend or sink downward

To move, bend, or hang downward under the influence of gravity, weight, pressure, or insufficient support.

3.1. Physical objects and structures

Describes a physical object or structure bending, drooping, or sinking below its normal or intended horizontal or vertical position because of weight or pressure.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • rise
  • straighten
  • stiffen
  • tighten
  • stiffen up

Examples

  • The old mattress began to sag in the middle after years of use.
  • The heavy load made the shelves sag under its weight.
  • The fabric of the curtains started to sag over time.
  • The wet clothes caused the laundry line to sag in the middle.
  • The roof of the barn began to sag due to years of weathering.

Related Words

3.2. Suspended cables and ropes

Describes a suspended wire, cable, chain, or rope forming a downward curve between two supporting points because of its weight or insufficient tension.

Synonyms

  • droop
  • dip
  • bow
  • hang down
  • slacken

Antonyms

Examples

  • The telephone wires began to sag under the weight of the ice.
  • The rope sagged between the two posts after the knot loosened.

Related Words

3.3. Posture and body position

Describes a person's body, shoulders, or head drooping or leaning downward, usually because of tiredness, weakness, or poor posture.

Synonyms

  • slouch
  • droop
  • slump
  • stoop
  • hang down

Antonyms

  • straighten
  • stand upright
  • rise

Examples

  • His shoulders began to sag after hours of carrying heavy equipment.
  • She watched his head sag as exhaustion gradually took over.

Related Words

VERB

4. To decline in strength, energy, or intensity

To become weaker, less vigorous, less active, or less effective over time, often because of fatigue, discouragement, reduced demand, or deteriorating conditions.

4.1. Business and economic activity

Describes sales, demand, prices, production, or economic activity gradually decreasing or losing momentum.

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Examples

  • Consumer spending began to sag as inflation continued to rise.
  • The company's profits sagged during the second half of the year.
  • Demand for the product started to sag after the initial launch.

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4.2. Energy and physical strength

Describes a person or living organism losing physical strength, vitality, or energy, often because of exhaustion, illness, or prolonged effort.

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Examples

  • The exhausted runners began to sag during the final stretch of the race.
  • The plants started to sag in the afternoon heat.
  • His energy began to sag after several hours of hard work.

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4.3. Morale and emotional spirits

Describes a person's confidence, morale, enthusiasm, or emotional resilience weakening under pressure, disappointment, uncertainty, or hardship.

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Examples

  • Her spirits began to sag after several unsuccessful attempts.
  • The team's confidence sagged following a series of disappointing results.

Related Words

  • morale
  • confidence
  • enthusiasm
  • discouragement
  • resilience
  • spirits
  • motivation

4.4. Activity and momentum

Describes an activity, event, conversation, or process losing intensity, pace, or momentum after initially being active or energetic.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • Interest in the campaign began to sag after the initial excitement.
  • The conversation started to sag as everyone ran out of things to say.
  • The team's performance sagged toward the end of the match.

Related Words