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 surge follows a long period of sluggish progress that city officials blame on the pandemic and negotiations with San Diego Gas & Electric on a new franchise agreement to replace a 50-year deal signed in 1970.
—
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024
However, the coronavirus pandemic, business lockdowns, a sluggish return to the workplace, tech layoffs and a fast-shifting economy forced Westbank and Urban Community to ponder alternative uses.
—George Avalos, Orange County Register, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for sluggish 
David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2024
However, the coronavirus pandemic, business lockdowns, a sluggish return to the workplace, tech layoffs and a fast-shifting economy forced Westbank and Urban Community to ponder alternative uses.
—George Avalos, Orange County Register, 23 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for sluggish
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sluggish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 2 Jun. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share