a slow start
idiom
: lack of success at first
Despite a slow start at the box office, the movie's popularity has increased steadily.
The team got off to a slow start this season but is playing well now.
Examples of a slow start in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After a slow start, rookie third baseman Shaw was sent down to Triple-A Iowa on April 15, and Rule 5 pick Gage Workman was designated for assignment after a bad defensive game against the Dodgers last week.
—
Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Despite the financial crisis triggered on April 2 (the first day of the fair) by the increase in U.S. tariffs, sales picked up over the weekend after a slow start.
—Sarah Kreps, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Salvy finds groove Perez is beginning to heat up after a slow start.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
After a slow start to the series, Norman Powell appears to have found his groove, scoring 20 points on seven-for-12 shooting.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a slow start
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Despite the financial crisis triggered on April 2 (the first day of the fair) by the increase in U.S. tariffs, sales picked up over the weekend after a slow start.
—Sarah Kreps, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
Salvy finds groove Perez is beginning to heat up after a slow start.
—Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2025
After a slow start to the series, Norman Powell appears to have found his groove, scoring 20 points on seven-for-12 shooting.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a slow start
Cite this Entry
“A slow start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slow%20start. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share