sluggish

adjective

ˈslə-gish How to pronounce sluggish (audio)
Definition of sluggishnext
1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures

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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 Factor in stubbornly high inflation, sluggish wage growth and a hit-or-miss job market, and many Americans below the very top of the income scale are feeling a lot poorer these days. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The sophomore overcame a sluggish first half and finished 22 of 39 passing for 287 yards and two touchdowns, none more dramatic and needed than the 22-yard game winner to Laviel Pickett with 27 seconds left to play. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Yet, even as money has gone away, the economy – particularly years of persistently high inflation and, more recently, a sluggish job market – has driven up demand for a lot of what nonprofits provide, including basics like food and shelter. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 2026 For Starbucks, which only recently turned around sluggish sales, the PSL is a chance to focus attention on a signature product. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
  1. slow
  2. sleepy
  3. leisurely
  4. dull
  5. lagging
  6. lethargic
Adjective
  • In fact, starting too early often has more downsides than taking it slow.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But so far, the economy has grown at roughly 2% annually, slower than the gains during the Biden administration.
    — Josh Boak, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • The kids were tucked in by his side, still sleepy from staying up the night before watching TV.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Bonds are the sleepy corner of the markets, with yields typically moving a few hundredths of a percentage point.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleepy
Adjective
  • At one end sits a cherry-red grand piano, and every afternoon, the young and talented Shefin Mathew plays classic tunes, setting the mood for a leisurely Champagne brunch at the Tea Lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Spending spikes were sharpest in the afternoons and on weekends, while the longest, most leisurely trips happened in the evening.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of leisurely
Adjective
  • Designed for limp, oily, and dull hair, the color-safe formula washes away stubborn dirt and grime—common culprits of flat waves—while a lineup of amino acids work to soften and strengthen strands.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Using the pretense of a documentary film crew, the show follows the excruciatingly dull workday experiences of a paper supply company in a drab office in a bleak industrial estate in Slough, England.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Every initiative should identify its operational leading indicator, financial lagging indicator, value owner and realization mechanism.
    — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Just last month, Microsoft began layoffs of 20% of its Xbox employees as part of a sweeping reorganization to revive the company’s lagging games division.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of lagging
Adjective
  • So keep an eye our for habit changes and call a veterinarian if a cat stops eating, becomes lethargic, vomits, appears weak or develops yellowing around the eyes, gums or skin.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No team wants to peak on the first Saturday, but our league loves a narrative and what happens right now sets a tone; Manchester United’s is discordant, flat, lethargic.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of lethargic

Browse Nearby Words

slugging (down)
sluggish
sluggishly
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Cite this Entry

“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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