sluggish

adjective

slug·​gish ˈslə-gish How to pronounce sluggish (audio)
Synonyms of sluggish
1
: averse to activity or exertion : indolent
also : torpid
2
: slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)
3
a
: markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth
b
: economically inactive or slow
sluggishly adverb
sluggishness noun

Synonyms of sluggish

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Examples of sluggish in a Sentence

The game picked up after a sluggish start. the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Dorn said the problem is that right now more timber is being grown than is needed in a sluggish housing economy. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 Most importantly, its extra RAM makes third-party apps feel quicker than on its sluggish predecessor. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 After his sluggish start, Harper made six of his final seven attempts to finish 7 of 12 from the field. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026 Hiring has been sluggish, but layoffs are also unusually low. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sluggish

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sluggish was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

slugging percentage
sluggish
sluggishly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sluggish

adjective
slug·​gish ˈsləg-ish How to pronounce sluggish (audio)
: slow in movement or reaction by habit or condition
sluggishly adverb
sluggishness noun

Medical Definition

sluggish

adjective
slug·​gish ˈsləg-ish How to pronounce sluggish (audio)
: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response
sluggish healing
sluggishly adverb
sluggishness noun
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