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 pachyderms seemed to be fine, if sluggish, until the sonic booms began. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

Türkiye, in Australia’s first match, had been sluggish and unthreatening. — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 1 July 2026

The two-run lead gave Cubs starter Javier Assad some leeway after a sluggish second inning. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Teams may not want to risk their athletes feeling even a little more sluggish, itchy, constipated, diarrhea-ry or whatever. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 July 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