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

The system — a sluggish trough of low pressure extending from the Four Corners in the desert Southwest to Baja California late Wednesday — is now expected to bring wetter weather to Houston this weekend. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Houston Chronicle, 7 May 2026

Years of static budgets, staffing turnover, a culture of industry deference and a sluggish response by federal regulators have left the agency unprepared to address a contamination crisis of this size and scope, said Demonbreun-Chapman and others. —Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026

In its $224 billion loan book, Amex has plenty of exposure to small and medium-size businesses, and that sector has turned sluggish, owing to tariffs and inflation. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 May 2026

This performance marks a sharp rebound following a sluggish April; the previous weekend’s collective take of $16 million was the one of the lowest of 2026 to date, capping a month of consistent declines. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 May 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