SLUGGISHNESS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

sluggishness

noun

Definition of sluggishness

as in dilatoriness

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in lethargy

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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 sluggishness In fact, the battle could have cleared House of the Dragon of its reputation for sluggishness. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026 Yet sluggishness at the very top is masking dynamism throughout the rest of the list, as a new generation of firms—whether Vietnamese conglomerates, Singaporean banks, or once-loss-making digital platforms—is capturing a greater share of regional revenue and profits. — Andrew Staples, Fortune, 16 June 2026 Throughout the day Heavy, high-fat meals immediately before exercise can increase your digestive workload and contribute to feelings of sluggishness in the heat. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 Following his Game 1 sluggishness, Wembanyama played with more aggression and decisiveness. — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 But sluggishness in Tableau and the commerce vertical are blemishes. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 28 May 2026 When Poor Circulation Needs a Doctor Lifestyle changes can do a lot for everyday circulatory sluggishness. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026 Djokovic, 38, was barely moving between points during the second set, and Prižmić exploited his sluggishness with consistently punishing drop shots. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 May 2026 There was noticeable and annoying lag and sluggishness in the Windows desktop and Windows Explorer, not even counting Chrome or Office, with apps taking some 10 seconds to even open. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggishness

Noun

Target's new attendance point system Target will start tracking unexcused tardiness and absences for its store and warehouse workers in September, assigning point values to violations and terminating any employee who hits 12 points within a year.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 30 June 2026
Fresh out of the gym, the rapper, known for his intense delivery, is particularly chipper during our video call and apologizes for his slight tardiness.

— Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 26 June 2026

Definition of tardiness

Noun

More severe signs of heat stroke include lethargy, weakness, the loss of the ability to stand, confusion, loss of coordination, vomiting and diarrhea.

— Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Symptoms include fatigue, excessive panting, disorientation, lethargy, discomfort, collapse and seizures.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Definition of lethargy

Noun

In 2024, military and overseas ballots were rejected for lateness at more than eight times the rate of domestic mail ballots, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 17 June 2026
This extreme lateness is really unnecessary and New York State should join 46 of its siblings and use the standard July 1 date (Texas, Alabama, Michigan have autumn dates).

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

Definition of lateness

Noun

That positive word of mouth would overcome the apathy towards the film's plot and the off-putting remarks from Alcock.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
In the lead-up to this summer’s FIFA men’s World Cup, critics complained about prices, domestic politics, international geopolitics, supposed fan apathy, logistical hurdles and more.

— Andrés Martinez, Washington Post, 1 July 2026

Definition of apathy

Noun

Stranger by the Lake is a bookend of sorts to La Piscine, as both films seem to condemn their characters, and by extension, the counterculture surrounding them, to a lassitude incapable of any moral authority.

— Erik Morse, Vogue, 26 June 2025
The result of this lassitude is that cars still rule the streets.

— Justin Davidson, Curbed, 18 Apr. 2025

Definition of lassitude

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sluggishly

sluggishness

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“Sluggishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggishness. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sluggishness

noun

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