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
While some dogs might yelp or limp after being bitten, others might become slightly more sluggish and require closer inspection.
—
Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
The British economy was sluggish compared with those in the U.S. and Europe during the 1920s.
—Time, 23 May 2025
The listing is also a boost for the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, an international financial hub where the market has been sluggish in recent years.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 20 May 2025
The sluggish real estate sector showed little sign of improvement.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Caleb Lunetta, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
The British economy was sluggish compared with those in the U.S. and Europe during the 1920s.
—Time, 23 May 2025
The listing is also a boost for the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, an international financial hub where the market has been sluggish in recent years.
—Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 20 May 2025
The sluggish real estate sector showed little sign of improvement.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
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Strain into a highball glass, while simultaneously adding the club soda together in one slow stream to achieve the fluffy, towering fizz.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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And while the Canadian industry made early gains to close a gender gap in the film and TV industry, making strides in advancing and promoting talent from underrepresented Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities has been slower and more incremental.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Ultimately, what was once a sleepy and steady sector of the US economy is starting to become much more dynamic.—
Steven Dudash,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
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The queen, who is currently competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, is near-singlehandedly turning the All Stars franchise from a sleepy series to a must-watch by playing the game strategically and having fun doing it.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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While some are opting for quiet beach vacations or leisurely wine tastings.—
Claire Volkman,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2025
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The collection revisits the leisurely elegance of dandy dressing, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Adjective
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The bittersweet result didn’t dull a remarkable career and legacy for Kelly.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
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But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The toddler appears to be lethargic while in hospital.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
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After Game 1’s lethargic start by Florida, the Panthers opened perfectly Wednesday: With jets in the skates, with a vintage-good Bobrovsky at the net, with a continued big penalty-kill, and with a 1-0 lead mid-period on Barkov’s wrist shot on a power play.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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