a slow start

phrase

: lack of success at first

Despite a slow start at the box office, the movie's popularity has increased steadily.

The team got off to a slow start this season but is playing well now.

Examples of a slow start in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pick-and-rolls also helped Adebayo find a rhythm after a slow start to the season, as he was often used as the roll man on Wednesday. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

But with Antetokounmpo now as the focus of the remix, and with Bam Adebayo having gotten off to a slow start this season, the pivot in Atlanta was pronounced. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

After a slow start to the season for Helenius, Tuesday night was progress. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Martinez struck out five and allowed two runs over five innings, but a slow start proved costly. — Steve Megaree, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for a slow start

• counterpart
• apart
• depart
• flowchart
• forepart
• impart
• pushcart
• rampart
• redstart
• restart
• subpart
• sweetheart