sliping

Sliping is the act or process of relative motion between two surfaces that are meant to remain in contact. The term is the gerund form of slip and is used in several technical fields to describe an event in which contact is interrupted or not fully maintained, often with consequences for performance or safety. In everyday language, slip and slipping are more common, while slipping tends to appear with field-specific meanings.

In geology and geophysics, slipping describes motion along a fault plane that accommodates tectonic stress. Displacement that occurs during earthquakes is commonly referred to as fault slip, while the rate at which this displacement accumulates is the slip rate. Some faults also experience slow-slip events, where strain releases over longer timescales without strong seismic shaking.

In engineering and materials science, slipping occurs when frictional interfaces fail to transmit the intended motion or torque. Examples include belt slip in power transmission, clutch slip in mechanical transmissions, and wheel slip in braking or traction systems. Causes include insufficient tension, worn or contaminated surfaces, and misalignment. Consequences include reduced efficiency, overheating, and accelerated wear; remedies involve improving friction conditions, aligning components, or restoring surface quality.

In safety and everyday contexts, slipping refers to the risk of a person or object moving unexpectedly on a slick surface. Mitigation includes clean surfaces, anti-slip coatings, proper footwear, and warning signage.