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

Investors hope easier monetary policy can revive a sluggish economy and justify historically high tech-stock valuations. —Sean Conlon,pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Nov. 2025

It was intended to trigger an economic boom but instead brought sluggish growth and revenue shortfalls that resulted in school closures and deteriorated roads. —Alex J. Rouhandeh, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Nov. 2025

Glen Powell‘s new version of The Running Man has sparked discussion after the film got off to a sluggish start at the box office. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 18 Nov. 2025

On Monday, however, Waller argued that sluggish hiring is a bigger concern, and renewed his call for a rate cut next month. —Christopher Rugaber, Fortune, 18 Nov. 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