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

The tens of thousands of conference attendees who surged into downtown San Jose this week provided a stark contrast to the typical daytime emptiness, and highlighted the otherwise sluggish recovery of the city’s economically vital conference and convention business. —Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

After a sluggish first period, Milan bagged two goals in as many minutes to secure the result over Torino. —ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026

One of the motivating factors in the lineup overhaul is to boost daytime programming, where viewership has been sluggish and has significantly lagged the network’s primetime hours. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026

The 350-watt motor made quick work of beating egg whites to a stiff peak, and provided plenty of power to push the beaters through the dense cookie dough without becoming sluggish. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 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