1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sluggish
Too many vessels today are outdated, sluggish, and expensive.
—
David Szondy, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
In Germany, whose sluggish growth has caused particular concern in recent years, some sectors are seeing progress.
—Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
The reasons for your sluggish high-speed internet can include a poor Wi-Fi connection, network congestion or old equipment.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
The chain is forecasting 8% sales growth this quarter, a stark contrast to the sluggish starts other chains have mentioned in their earnings calls.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
David Szondy, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
In Germany, whose sluggish growth has caused particular concern in recent years, some sectors are seeing progress.
—Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
The reasons for your sluggish high-speed internet can include a poor Wi-Fi connection, network congestion or old equipment.
—Kara McGinley, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
The chain is forecasting 8% sales growth this quarter, a stark contrast to the sluggish starts other chains have mentioned in their earnings calls.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
-
The company reaffirmed plans to launch an affordable model in early 2025, but warned the production ramp could be slower than expected.—
Akash Sriram and Abhirup Roy,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The last two years have been incredibly slow, with existing home sales at their lowest levels since the mid-1990s.—
Laurel Wamsley,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In a video shared by A Dog's Hideaway, another golden called Butters was equally sleepy after hours of fun at day care.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Alice finds herself on the sleepy Little Crescent Island, hoping to interview mysterious heiress Margaret Ives.—
Maya Layne,
Vogue,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Cabs tend to arrive quickly but allow enough time for a leisurely trip since the calas are north of the hotel and the airport is south.—
Jennifer Fernández Solano,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Take a leisurely stroll through a nursery or garden center to see other planting ideas and supplies for your yard.—
Clarence Schmidt,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Designed for Uncertainty – And the Next Economic Landscape Think defense stocks are dull?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Despite this monumental achievement, the energy around the win is dull.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Chelsea’s income from Stamford Bridge has been particularly lethargic.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
-
But his first few weeks in office have been disappointingly lethargic, in contrast to the focused energy coming from the White House.—
Adrian Wooldridge,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share