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
More:What's behind Russia's sluggish response to Ukrainian raid?
—
Olena Harmash and Tom Balmforth, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024
The drama is the third sluggish opening Lionsgate has seen at the unofficial end of summer.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2024
Related Content The Fed’s main inflation gauge is climbing—and analysts blame Taylor Swift
Will China’s rate cuts stimulate its sluggish economy?
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 12 Aug. 2024
China’s sluggish economic recovery has been a major drag on the company.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sluggish 
Olena Harmash and Tom Balmforth, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024
The drama is the third sluggish opening Lionsgate has seen at the unofficial end of summer.
—Kaitlyn Huamani, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2024
Related Content The Fed’s main inflation gauge is climbing—and analysts blame Taylor Swift
Will China’s rate cuts stimulate its sluggish economy?
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 12 Aug. 2024
China’s sluggish economic recovery has been a major drag on the company.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 16 Aug. 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 12 Sep. 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
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