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

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 Upcoming state election could bring a major win AfD is capitalizing on the unpopularity of a government that is trying to reform the sluggish economy. — David Keyton, Christian Science Monitor, 4 July 2026 Many competitors often report feeling sluggish, sleepy, or uncomfortable afterward. — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026 The pachyderms seemed to be fine, if sluggish, until the sonic booms began. — Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Türkiye, in Australia’s first match, had been sluggish and unthreatening. — Naaman Zhou, New Yorker, 1 July 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
  • Still, as the game wore on to the waning moments, both teams were visibly sapped of energy and moving at a slower pace, including Haaland, who faded late in the game, was subbed out at the 105-minute mark and replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • The question is whether the stock price leaves enough room if that recovery is slower, messier, or pricier than hoped.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • Las Terrenas does not ask you to choose between sleepy Caribbean escape and worldly energy.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • De Niro and Scott are on hand as an estranged father and son who are brought back together when Scott’s character’s young son is abducted after the pair move back to his sleepy hometown after a horrible tragedy.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 July 2026
Definition of sleepy
Adjective
  • Nirmal Kumar, 44, a businessman, said what began as a leisurely trip descended into chaos within minutes as a storm lashed the boat.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • With over 29,000 five-star ratings from nurses, teachers, and podiatrists alike, the Aerothotic Comfy Flip-flops deserve a spot in your suitcase this summer, no matter if your itinerary calls for leisurely walks by the pool or intensive hikes.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Definition of leisurely
Adjective
  • Despite Spain’s defensive record and the dull 1-0 win against Portugal last round, the odds still think this game will see more action.
    — Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • The result is a post-vacation radiance that’s never streaky, dull, or heavy.
    — Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 July 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Microsoft’s video game division plans to eliminate 3,200 jobs, or around 20% of its staff, over the next year as part of a sweeping reorganization to revive the company’s lagging games division.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The United States typically experiences the lagging edge of Latin American displacement waves.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025
Definition of lagging
Adjective
  • Signs of heat stroke in dogs include heavy panting and drooling, being weak or lethargic, bright red gums and bloodshot eyes.
    — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator Always contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the turtle appears injured, such as having a cracked shell, or seems lethargic or sick.
    — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 June 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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