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

The job market has been sluggish for months even though the economy is registering solid growth. —Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

Why have job gains been relatively sluggish? —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

The process is cumbersome, deliberate, sluggish … and long overdue. —Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

The first major task for Takaichi when the lower house reconvenes in mid-February is to work on a budget bill, delayed by the election, to fund economic measures that address rising costs and sluggish wages. —Mari Yamaguchi, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026

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