sluggish

adjective

slug·gish | \ ˈslə-gish

Definition of sluggish

1 : averse to activity or exertion : indolent also : torpid

2 : slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)

3a : markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth

b : economically inactive or slow

Other Words from sluggish Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sluggish

Keep scrolling for more

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

China’s total trade surplus with all its trading partners also widened sharply, to $41.61 billion in June, chiefly, economists said, because of a weakening economy—with sluggish demand for imports rather than markedly stronger exports. — WSJ, "China’s Trade Surplus With U.S. Hits Record as Fight Intensifies," 13 July 2018 The thinking goes like this: Better to inflict some pain now, in the form of higher joblessness and sluggish wage growth, than to allow more pain later. — Patricia Cohen, New York Times, "Paychecks Lag as Profits Soar, and Prices Erode Wage Gains," 13 July 2018 State revenues have been held back by sluggish wage growth and by changes in people’s consumption patterns. — David Harrison, WSJ, "Many States Are Likely Unprepared for Next Downturn," 8 July 2018 Economy and poverty Mexico’s economy has seen sluggish growth of only around 2% per year. — Ciara Nugent, Time, "Your Complete Guide to Mexico's 2018 Elections," 29 June 2018 For years after the Great Recession of 2007-09, the Fed kept its key rate near zero to stimulate sluggish growth. — Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, "Fed decision: Federal Reserve hikes rates to range of 1.75% to 2%, ups forecast to 4 hikes in '18," 13 June 2018 The shares had declined 28 percent in the past year through Tuesday's close, as sluggish growth and discounting weighed on results. — Matt Townsend, chicagotribune.com, "Dick's Sporting Goods stock spikes 28 percent as earnings guidance outweighs gun controversy," 30 May 2018 In economic policy, Obama’s slow winnowing of the deficit even in times of sluggish growth has been completely reversed. — Andrew Sullivan, Daily Intelligencer, "Obama’s Legacy Has Already Been Destroyed," 18 May 2018 Facing sluggish growth and better opportunities on over-the-counter products, Drugstore.com sold its mail-order pharmacy unit for $5 million in 2010. — Casey Ross, STAT, "Amazon failed to disrupt the prescription drug business with Drugstore.com. Could a second try succeed?," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sluggish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.