sluggish

adjective

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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

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 And while the construction of new plants has been sluggish, wind and solar power have been deployed at a faster rate than expected. — Matt Reynolds, Wired, 21 Jan. 2022 Since unemployed workers in developing countries have much less access to government help than their counterparts in rich nations, the ILO said the sluggish recovery in the global jobs market will lead to a rise in poverty. — Paul Hannon, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2022 Another sluggish showing was slipping away, as Max Agbonkpolo burst into the lane in search of a spark. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2022 Those issues ranged last tax season from sluggish processing to the ways collection rules hurt lower income taxpayers. — Charisse Jones, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2022 That’s a notable achievement at a time when parents haven’t been taking their young kids to the movies, though box office analysts remain concerned about the sluggish return of family audiences. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 Jan. 2022 The sluggish labor force participation rate adds to the confusion, said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. — NBC News, 7 Jan. 2022 The ingredient is said to prevent skin cells from becoming sluggish, which results in dull, tired-looking skin (the fancy word for this phase is senescence). — ELLE, 6 Jan. 2022 The conflict between the Trump administration and D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser over the summer of 2020 seems to have contributed particularly to the sluggish response to the Capitol riot. — The Editors, National Review, 6 Jan. 2022

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.