sluggish

adjective

slug·​gish ˈslə-gish How to pronounce sluggish (audio)
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

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.
The production, directed by Mina Morita, renders the play in solid, if slightly sluggish, fashion. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Homebuyers continued to wait for mortgage rates to drop last year and sellers, especially condo owners, waited for buyers to show up in a meaningful way during what was another sluggish year for the state’s housing market, according to a monthly update from the Colorado Association of Realtors. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2025 Flavored yogurt may cause a blood sugar spike after eating it, increasing cravings and sluggish energy levels. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 20 Jan. 2025 After a sluggish first half, Golden State’s offense found life in the final two quarters and held on to beat the last-place Washington Wizards 122-114 to open its two-game homestand. Nathan Canilao, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near sluggish

Cite this Entry

“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sluggish

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