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

• 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

Starbucks weathered sluggish sales in recent years as customers grappled with a years-long bout of elevated inflation, analysts previously told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2025

In another sign of sluggish domestic demand, China’s consumer prices fell more than expected last month while deflation in wholesale prices persisted for nearly three years. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025

Some analysts saw the guidance cut as inevitable given pressure on Porsche to extend the life of its combustion engines due to sluggish demand for EVs. —USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025

Redfin data shows sellers have been pulling back because homebuyer demand is sluggish. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025

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