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

Despite a sluggish start, the Jayhawks led 38-31 at the half. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026

This sluggish success drove some tough decisionmaking from Navratil. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026

Mounting layoff announcements in the past year, combined with the government’s own sluggish labor market reports, has left Americans increasingly pessimistic about the economy. —Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

With the local economy still sluggish and other revenue streams underperforming, city officials argue the transient occupancy tax from 10% to 12% would add $10 million in annual recurring revenue without negatively impacting the hospitality industry. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 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