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 Bulls then opened the third quarter with a 7-0 run against a sluggish Celtics defense, successfully targeting Queta on three straight possessions. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026

The offense was sluggish in the second half and once again struggled to hit shots from 3-point range, while the defense allowed the Cowboys (14-5, 3-3) to hover around 50% shooting most of the night. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Jan. 2026

Kraft Heinz shares have plunged about 70% since the 2015 merger that created the ketchup-making giant, weighed down by shifting consumer tastes, rising costs and sluggish growth across core brands. —Yun Li, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2026

Playing their third game in four nights, the Gulls (16-12-6-2, 40 points) looked sluggish in falling to 1-5 against Coachella Valley on the season. —Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Jan. 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