Slouch means to sit, stand, or walk with your shoulders hunched forward and your back curved instead of straight. When you slouch in your chair at dinner, your spine curves and your head droops forward. When someone slouches down the hallway, they look tired or unmotivated, with their shoulders rolled forward and their chest caved in.

Slouching usually signals something about how someone feels. A person who slouches at their desk might be bored, exhausted, or discouraged. Someone who stands up straight with their shoulders back typically looks confident and alert, while someone who slouches appears less energetic or interested.

The word can also be used as a noun to describe a person who isn't very good at something, but this usage almost always appears in the negative. If your coach says you're no slouch at basketball, that's a compliment: it means you're actually quite skilled. When someone says “She's no slouch when it comes to chess,” they mean she's impressively good at it.

People often remind kids not to slouch because good posture helps you breathe better and can prevent back pain. But it also helps to adjust your chair or backpack so your body feels supported.