sluggish

adjective

slug·gish | \ˈslə-gish

Definition of sluggish

1 : averse to activity or exertion : indolent also : torpid

2 : slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)

3a : markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth

b : economically inactive or slow

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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

Late last week, zoo staff noticed that Naku appeared sluggish. — Lainey Seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Naku, one of the Milwaukee County Zoo's female gorillas, died Saturday," 30 Apr. 2018 Despite continuing professions of improved parity in women's basketball, the teams at the top have been able to achieve and maintain separation and to make relatively accomplished opponents seem sluggish. — Tim Sullivan, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville women's basketball is taking the fast lane to the Final Four | Tim Sullivan," 25 Mar. 2018 Northeastern seemed sluggish on the power play, but when the Huskies were able to threaten, Hayden Hawkey made impressive saves on Adam Gaudette and Nolan Stevens in the second period. — Frank Dell’apa, BostonGlobe.com, "Northeastern falls to Providence in OT," 17 Mar. 2018 If your network seems sluggish, unplug both gadgets for at least 30 seconds. — Kim Komando, USA TODAY, "10 ways to fix your home Wi-Fi problems," 2 Mar. 2018 China’s total trade surplus with all its trading partners also widened sharply, to $41.61 billion in June, chiefly, economists said, because of a weakening economy—with sluggish demand for imports rather than markedly stronger exports. — WSJ, "China’s Trade Surplus With U.S. Hits Record as Fight Intensifies," 13 July 2018 The thinking goes like this: Better to inflict some pain now, in the form of higher joblessness and sluggish wage growth, than to allow more pain later. — Patricia Cohen, New York Times, "Paychecks Lag as Profits Soar, and Prices Erode Wage Gains," 13 July 2018 State revenues have been held back by sluggish wage growth and by changes in people’s consumption patterns. — David Harrison, WSJ, "Many States Are Likely Unprepared for Next Downturn," 8 July 2018 Economy and poverty Mexico’s economy has seen sluggish growth of only around 2% per year. — Ciara Nugent, Time, "Your Complete Guide to Mexico's 2018 Elections," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sluggish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.