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

It’s widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. —Stephen McGrath and Vadim Ghirda, Los Angeles Times, 23 Dec. 2024

For some, genetic predispositions may disrupt appetite regulation; for others, a sluggish metabolism might be the culprit. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

The economy was sluggish, investors remained cautious and a general election in the middle of the year generated both hope and uncertainty. —Trevor Clawson, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

But the stories of UConn’s two losses, to USC and at No. 3 Notre Dame, are uncomfortably similar: A sluggish start, defensive struggles on the perimeter, dominance from a young superstar and a valiant second-half effort that came up short. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 22 Dec. 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