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

• 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

Club name Home Depot is another one that’s been hurt by sluggish housing activity. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2025

Most industry commentators attribute the sluggish hiring trends to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). —Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Bloating, constipation, and sluggish digestion: the obvious tells of an unhappy gut. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2025

If there is lots of water contained in the air (high humidity), evaporation is sluggish. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Aug. 2025

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