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

• crawling
• creeping
• dallying
• dawdling
• dilatory
• dillydallying
• dragging
• laggard
• lagging
• languid
• leisurely
• poking
• poky
• pokey
• slow
• snail-paced
• snaillike
• tardy
• unhurried

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

Walmart, buoyed by strong sales of essentials like groceries and toys, heads into the holiday season with momentum, while Target has faced sluggish demand for discretionary items like apparel. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The Chinese city has struggled in recent years owing to the aftereffects of its tough COVID-zero policy, concerns over Beijing’s encroaching jurisdiction, and a sluggish Chinese economy. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 27 Nov. 2024

Jackson carried the load Monday, getting just enough help from his defense after a sluggish start. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Nov. 2024

Australia will surely bounce back having looked particularly sluggish after a long hiatus from Test cricket. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

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