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
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
The changes will radically overhaul domestic production, giving a dramatic boost to a TV industry struggling to stay afloat, with the Czech public broadcaster beset by financial woes and global streaming platforms sluggish to enter the local market.
—
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
As activity began to rebound from pandemic lows, the recovery at O’Hare, long a linchpin in the nation’s air system, remained sluggish, as business travel was slow to return and one of the airport’s major airlines began to shift focus elsewhere.
—Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
The Nuggets came out of the gate sluggish, and the first quarter was a 36-36 stalemate.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025
But its defense business is ramping up as militaries are increasingly interested in ready-to-go gear, not sluggish research and development.
—Colin Demarest, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
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Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025
As activity began to rebound from pandemic lows, the recovery at O’Hare, long a linchpin in the nation’s air system, remained sluggish, as business travel was slow to return and one of the airport’s major airlines began to shift focus elsewhere.
—Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
The Nuggets came out of the gate sluggish, and the first quarter was a 36-36 stalemate.
—Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025
But its defense business is ramping up as militaries are increasingly interested in ready-to-go gear, not sluggish research and development.
—Colin Demarest, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sluggish
Articles Related to sluggish
Dictionary Entries Near sluggish
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sluggish
adjective
slug·gish
ˈsləg-ish 
: slow in movement or reaction by habit or condition
sluggishly
adverb
sluggishness
noun
Medical Definition
sluggish
adjective
slug·gish
ˈsləg-ish
: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response
sluggish healing
sluggishly
adverb
sluggishness
noun
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