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

Due to the sluggish start to the season and the Tigers' College Football Playoff hopes hanging on by a thread, rumors have started coming out about Swinney's future. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

Trumbull and Stambor both mentioned that the refresh isn’t because of sluggish sales. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025

Most people experiencing these symptoms feel sluggish during the day and sleep poorly at night. —Shooshan Danagoulian, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2025

Preliminary figures for the Golden Week holiday pointed to sluggish consumer spending. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 8 Oct. 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