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

Both brands have seen sluggish sales in 2026, with Old Navy posting same-store sales growth of just 1% for the first quarter . — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

In my spaces, the fast, global deployment of AI and the sluggish, fragmented development of legal governance frameworks can expose organizations to legal, financial and reputational risk when AI fails. — Punnam Raju Manthena, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

After a sluggish start, the Sparks go on a 16-5 run in the fourth quarter but fall short of completing a full comeback in an 84-78 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

The sluggish job market has shut out new entrants and left people like Ruiz feeling stuck. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 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