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
New Life battled back after a slow start to the third set and took a 20-16 advantage.
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Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
The offensive construction has been a mess, and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel looks like he was overdrafted and rushed into action after a slow start by Flacco, who’s thrived since being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
After a slow start to his rookie season, Hampton caught his stride in Week 4's win over the New York Giants.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Mahomes ended the game with 299 passing yards and three touchdown throws – one apiece to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Hunt – and explained that, after a slow start to the year, the Chiefs as a whole are improving.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
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Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 8 Nov. 2025
The offensive construction has been a mess, and rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel looks like he was overdrafted and rushed into action after a slow start by Flacco, who’s thrived since being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025
After a slow start to his rookie season, Hampton caught his stride in Week 4's win over the New York Giants.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Mahomes ended the game with 299 passing yards and three touchdown throws – one apiece to Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and Hunt – and explained that, after a slow start to the year, the Chiefs as a whole are improving.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a slow start
Cite this Entry
“A slow start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slow%20start. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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