SLUGGISHNESS Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

sluggishness

noun

Definition of sluggishness

as in dilatoriness

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Dissimilar Words

as in lethargy

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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 But exercising hard immediately after a large meal may cause nausea, cramping, heartburn, or feelings of sluggishness. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 In the sluggishness and repetitiousness of Collin’s podcast book, there is nothing to rival Némirovsky’s novels, which take enormous chances without leaving everyday reality. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The sluggishness in payroll growth is not translating into higher unemployment. — Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 China’s economy has been under pressure from sluggishness in domestic spending and investment, as a yearslong weakness in its massive property sector hits consumer confidence. — ABC News, 30 July 2026 All this chugs along satisfyingly even with the occasional patch of sluggishness and the usual overly convoluted plot contortions. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggishness

Noun

Their tardiness, which saw the start delayed by half an hour, was continued on the field with India looking like a rabble in the face of the onslaught from Buttler and Brook.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026
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

Definition of tardiness

Noun

Sometimes Alcaraz and Shelton made tired misses, prompting expressions of frustration and lethargy and disbelief.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
When courts do the regulating Given this legislative lethargy, state attorneys general sometimes step in to protect the public from companies that exploit compulsion-inducing products.

— Jonathan Caulkins, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of lethargy

Noun

On July 6, reports stated that Harry was offered and had accepted an invite to stay at Buckingham Palace—but the invite was reportedly rescinded due to the lateness of his RSVP.

— Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of lateness

Noun

Those struggling with sleep inertia could benefit from multiple alarms or hitting snooze.

— Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
The abundance critique is that there are abundant opportunities to grow being held back by excessive regulation, planning and conditions of the sort mentioned above, which can create inertia in the system.

— Mariana Mazzucato, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of inertia

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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sluggishness

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“Sluggishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggishness. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of sluggishness

noun

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