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
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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
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Recent Examples of sluggish
In the meantime, their team’s performance has been sluggish at best.
—
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Starmer’s popularity has plunged as his government struggles to kick-start a sluggish economy.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
A little over five minutes later, the Leafs again pounced on a sluggish Panthers side when John Tavares stuffed a wraparound goal past Bobrovsky.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Maple Leafs have a 12-8 edge in shots on goal, but the Panthers looked considerably better down the stretch after a sluggish opening six minutes.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Starmer’s popularity has plunged as his government struggles to kick-start a sluggish economy.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
A little over five minutes later, the Leafs again pounced on a sluggish Panthers side when John Tavares stuffed a wraparound goal past Bobrovsky.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Maple Leafs have a 12-8 edge in shots on goal, but the Panthers looked considerably better down the stretch after a sluggish opening six minutes.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
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Life has likely felt a bit nebulous and slow for you in the past year, Cancer.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
18 May 2025
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Albon asked Williams for information on where Leclerc was likely slow at the restart, looking for a spot to capitalize.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Adjective
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When Tommy leaves to bring his sleepy son home, Maria revisits her and Joel’s conversation about refugees.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
18 May 2025
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Photos of my kid's birthday parties are no longer me with bleary, sleepy drinking eyes.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Properties aren’t rented solely for leisurely vacations, but also for private events and filming movies, commercials, TV series, music videos, and more.—
Emma Reynolds,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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But those with a penchant for leisurely loo visits should take note: The Thrones come with a time limit.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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The bristles of the brush manually sweep away dull, rough, flaky skin cells.—
Angela Palmer,
Verywell Health,
20 May 2025
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There’s an effort from the developer, Far Out Games, to tell a captivating noirish story here but the cutscenes and dialogue are painfully dull.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
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Chelsea’s income from Stamford Bridge has been particularly lethargic.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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