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

New Hampshire officials are welcoming a manufacturer that’s moving to the Granite State from Massachusetts, as the Healey admin has convened a council to address the Bay State’s sluggish economic competitiveness. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

Winter baking often means sluggish yeast activity, which can seriously affect the final texture of your bread loaves. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025

There’s been plenty of drama leading up to its release, but sales of the tell-all have been sluggish. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025

David Dorn, a labor market expert at the University of Zurich, noted the sluggish-to-negative employment growth across several blue-collar sectors and particularly in construction. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Dec. 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