slouched

Slouched is the past tense of the verb slouch and also an adjective used to describe a posture or demeanor. A slouched posture typically features a rounded upper back, a forward-tilted head, and shoulders that are shrugged or sagging, with the torso leaned or resting in a relaxed, non-upright position. The term can describe both how someone sits and how they appear in a standing stance.

Causes include long periods of sitting, poor ergonomic setup, fatigue, habit, or mood. Slouching can reduce engagement of core muscles and place uneven stress on the spine and neck, potentially contributing to discomfort, headaches, and breathing efficiency over time. Correcting or improving posture often involves ergonomic adjustments, posture reminders, breaks for movement, and strengthening exercises for the back and abdominal muscles.

In cultural contexts, slouched posture is frequently used to convey casualness, fatigue, or disinterest in literature, film, and photography. The term also appears in fashion to describe loose, relaxed silhouettes described as slouchy or slouch-fit garments. The term remains neutral in description and is used across health, humor, and aesthetics domains.