Ritardando (or ritard. or rit.) – Gradually getting slower

To remember what ritardando means, use the following mnemonic:

The roadworkers re-tarred and do (ritardando) repairs on the road but got gradually slower as they become tired.

Examples of ritardando in a sentence

The orchestra gradually slowed the tempo - it was a great example of the effectiveness of ritardando.

The pianist was always using ritardando, slowing down his music when there was no real reason for it.

As an experienced guitarist, he knew exactly how to use ritardando to full effect, slowing the pace and increasing the intensity.