sluggish

adjective

slug·​gish ˈslə-gish 

1

: averse to activity or exertion : indolent

also : torpid

2

: slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)

3

a

: markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth

b

: economically inactive or slow

sluggishly adverb

sluggishness noun

Synonyms of sluggish

• slow
• leisurely
• lagging

Examples of sluggish in a Sentence

The game picked up after a sluggish start.

the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome

Recent Examples on the Web

Nakase switches it up The Valkyries desperately needed a spark after such a sluggish first half. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 June 2026

The first 10 minutes are an incredible swirl of paranoia, alcoholism, and sluggish dumbness when Gould just needs to feed his cat. —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

While a lucky calendar shift—gaining a busy Sunday while losing a sluggish Thursday—undeniably padded the numbers, the upward momentum remained entirely genuine. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 11 June 2026

Levie has been a big proponent of AI creating more jobs, as workers and recent college graduates fret over the sluggish job market and often blame AI. —Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sluggish

adjective

slug·​gish ˈsləg-ish 

: slow in movement or reaction by habit or condition

sluggishly adverb

sluggishness noun

Medical Definition

sluggish

adjective

slug·​gish ˈsləg-ish 

: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response

sluggish healing

sluggishly adverb

sluggishness noun