sluggish

slug·gish | \ ˈslə-gish

How to pronounce sluggish (audio)

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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

Other Words from sluggish Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about sluggish

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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 That series, which is slated to return for a second season, got off to a sluggish start, weighed down by unlikable characters and actors who were too old for their roles. — oregonlive, "‘Hollywood’: Netflix series is a glamorous blend of gossipy dish and wish-fulfillment fantasy," 29 Apr. 2020 European bourses are all trading in the green after a sluggish start. — Bernhard Warner, Fortune, "Stocks climb, oil sinks: Why plunging crude prices are spooking traders again," 28 Apr. 2020 Cedi Osman, the full-time starter at small forward, got off to a sluggish start while trying to get acclimated to a new coach and role. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, "What is the future of Cleveland Cavaliers’ small forward spot? Hey, Chris!," 20 Apr. 2020 Britain’s sluggish start in testing, several experts said, is rooted in the government’s overly relaxed early response to the virus. — Mark Landler, New York Times, "After Lost Months, Britain Vows to Catch Up on Virus Testing," 2 Apr. 2020 The nation suffers from a shortage of supplies — N95 masks, tests for the virus, ventilators — needed to contend with the pandemic, and the federal response has a new sense of urgency after a sluggish start. — Akilah Johnson, ProPublica, "How My Mom Followed Her Instincts to Find Her First Coronavirus Patient," 19 Mar. 2020 After a sluggish start to the primary season, Biden has surged to the front of the field, drawing overwhelming support from black voters and consolidating the backing of several more moderate rivals who have dropped out of the race. — Anchorage Daily News, "‘Bigger than any one of us’: Biden, Sanders take on pandemic," 16 Mar. 2020 Coming off a 64-62 loss at Cincinnati, the Cougars (18-5) overcame a sluggish start Thursday and – with the exception of a Tulane run midway through the second half – took command with a 19-point lead. — Joseph Duarte, Houston Chronicle, "Caleb Mills, UH bounce back to beat Tulane," 6 Feb. 2020 The Lancers fell short again, this time by 16 points as Moeller pulled away after a sluggish start to win 59-43. — Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, "Moeller basketball nets big win over La Salle in GCL South," 31 Jan. 2020

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.

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Dictionary Entries near sluggish

slugging percentage

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Last Updated

20 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 1 Jun. 2020.

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More Definitions for sluggish

sluggish

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of sluggish

: moving slowly or lazily

See the full definition for sluggish in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sluggish

slug·gish | \ ˈslə-gish

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Kids Definition of sluggish

: slow in movement or reaction … his sluggish brain was hardly working at all.— Dick King-Smith, Pigs Might Fly

sluggish

slug·gish | \ ˈsləg-ish

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Medical Definition of sluggish

: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response sluggish healing

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