a slow start

idiom

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a slow start to the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Bucks are failing to live up to their star's expectations. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 And after a slow start, Reaves eventually did, leading the Lakers with 36 points and eight assists. Khobi Price, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025 The Devils shuffled all four lines and got off to a slow start as they were outshot 13-5 in the first period. CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025 These two failed red zone trips fed into a slow start overall. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for a slow start

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“A slow start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slow%20start. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!