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 outcome is sluggish decisions, fragmented knowledge, and reduced productivity. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025

Chair Jerome Powell on interest rate cut The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, opting for its third interest rate cut this year in an effort to revive a sluggish labor market. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Dec. 2025

Memory, focus, reaction time, and problem-solving skills all reveal how sharp—or sluggish—your brain may be. —Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2025

Many Fed officials have expressed concerns about cutting interest rates with inflation still well above the 2 percent annual target, especially after the bank’s sluggish response to the postpandemic inflation surge. —Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 10 Dec. 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