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 offense got off to a sluggish start and relied heavily on the defense to keep Nevada in check until the offense could find its footing. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Both teams got off to sluggish starts with the Nets taking a 12-10 lead on Randle's 3-pointer with less than five minutes left in the first quarter. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

For years, a sluggish home market sat alongside rapid growth abroad. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 30 Oct. 2026

Another potential rate increase would mean pressing the brakes harder on the economy, in turn risking sluggish growth and risk slowing the job market further. — ABC News, 29 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