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

Since then, not much has changed — except for sluggish traffic across the industry as consumers have become more selective about their dining choices. — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Most of the mostly young Moroccans who flooded Ceuta – frustrated with a sluggish economy and encouraged by social media posts – returned home in a few days. — Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Labor market remains sluggish That lack of churn was underscored in a separate report released Tuesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Nothing kills the mood more than slow, sluggish, or inconsistent Wi-Fi. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 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