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

China's passenger car exports surged 64% in September from the same month in 2025, an industry association reported Monday, as Chinese automakers increasingly focus on exports to drive growth at a time of sluggish domestic sales. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

So far, October has been sluggish after a stronger-than-expected September at the box office. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026

Eight months and a sluggish first four games later, that is no longer the case. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

The company has also contended with sluggish sales due to softer consumer demand and mounting competition. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 6 Oct. 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