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.
Factor in stubbornly high inflation, sluggish wage growth and a hit-or-miss job market, and many Americans below the very top of the income scale are feeling a lot poorer these days. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 The sophomore overcame a sluggish first half and finished 22 of 39 passing for 287 yards and two touchdowns, none more dramatic and needed than the 22-yard game winner to Laviel Pickett with 27 seconds left to play. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Gap's Old Navy brand saw sluggish sales due to products that failed to land with shoppers — and not a larger macroeconomic issue, CEO Richard Dickson told CNBC at the time. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 Yet, even as money has gone away, the economy – particularly years of persistently high inflation and, more recently, a sluggish job market – has driven up demand for a lot of what nonprofits provide, including basics like food and shelter. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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