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

Despite a sluggish offensive start, leaky coverage in the secondary and a failure to consistently pressure Justin Herbert, the Chiefs had a chance to steal the game from the Chargers in Brazil on Friday night. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

But progress remains sluggish overall, especially in major markets like Japan and Hong Kong. —Clifford Coonan, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025

Tan is betting these new software products will unlock a fresh revenue stream at a time of sluggish growth in the $42 billion market for gaming hardware and peripherals, which account for about 90% of Razer’s overall sales, according to the most recent data available. —John Kang, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

One study has traced a buildup of iron in aging brains, linking it to sluggish cognition. —Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 2 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