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

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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 Hull was clearly ready for the opening fixture of the new campaign while Manchester United was sluggish. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 But job growth is sluggish, and other sectors are suffering from the president’s signature policy. — Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026 On Monday, Williams looked to be moving well in a first set that was understandably sluggish considering her lack of recent matches. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026 Ole Miss transfer quarterback Austin Simmons will improve a sluggish offense. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 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
  • Reseeding helps block weed growth, repel lawn diseases, slow soil erosion, and strengthen growth in bare patches.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Critical thinking is based on the need for a deliberate, slow, self-regulatory pause.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
Adjective
  • The kids were tucked in by his side, still sleepy from staying up the night before watching TV.
    — Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Bonds are the sleepy corner of the markets, with yields typically moving a few hundredths of a percentage point.
    — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleepy
Adjective
  • At one end sits a cherry-red grand piano, and every afternoon, the young and talented Shefin Mathew plays classic tunes, setting the mood for a leisurely Champagne brunch at the Tea Lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Spending spikes were sharpest in the afternoons and on weekends, while the longest, most leisurely trips happened in the evening.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of leisurely
Adjective
  • In recent studies by AccuWeather experts, excessive rainfall can contribute to insect and fungus damage in parts of Pennsylvania, which may lead to duller colors and earlier leaf drop.
    — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The city is flooded with dull and uninteresting structures clad in the material.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Every initiative should identify its operational leading indicator, financial lagging indicator, value owner and realization mechanism.
    — Todd Bernson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Just last month, Microsoft began layoffs of 20% of its Xbox employees as part of a sweeping reorganization to revive the company’s lagging games division.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of lagging
Adjective
  • So keep an eye our for habit changes and call a veterinarian if a cat stops eating, becomes lethargic, vomits, appears weak or develops yellowing around the eyes, gums or skin.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • No team wants to peak on the first Saturday, but our league loves a narrative and what happens right now sets a tone; Manchester United’s is discordant, flat, lethargic.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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