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 intentions are noble and the themes are handled with admirable complexity, but the writing is sluggish. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026

But the British economy remains sluggish. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

That’s of little comfort to South Florida homebuyers and sellers, who are already navigating a sluggish market hamstrung by relatively high borrowing costs. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026

Elsewhere, France predicted its economy would remain sluggish, while Thailand said visitors from the Middle East had dropped by 25% in the first five months of 2026, hitting its critical tourism industry. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 18 June 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