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

• 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

While new issues began rebounding in June, M&A remains sluggish. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 8 July 2025

Dopamine economy The rapidly growing popularity of the ugly-cute toys contrasts with otherwise sluggish consumption in the country, as many become increasingly frugal in the face of an economic slowdown. —Anniek Bao,lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 July 2025

At the current pace of sales, the supply of unsold homes would last 3.6 months, marking the most sluggish resale market the region has seen since 2011. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 3 July 2025

The reversal reflects the mounting pressure AMC faces amid a sluggish industry rebound. —Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

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