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.
Now that he’s strayed out of his comfort zone, Skino comes across sluggish and barren. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers keep winning After quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked every bit his age in a sluggish start to the season, the 42-year-old four-time MVP has led Pittsburgh to a 4-1 record in its last five games. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026 That could help explain why Microsoft shares have outperformed Amazon, Alphabet and Meta year to date, despite their sluggish performance in the first six months of the year. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026 After a sluggish start that included their first two fumbles at home, the Bruins pulled away. — ABC News, 24 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 27 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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