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
That road’s proximity alone seems to incite drivers to gun through lights, career through turns, and attempt to swerve around sluggish amblers.
—
Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
The Arctic's relatively sluggish sea ice growth since the start of winter follows a summer that ended with the sixth lowest minimum extent on record.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Industrial gas supplier Linde reported a solid third quarter on Thursday, proving once again its ability to grow revenues and earnings in a sluggish macro and industrial environment.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
The Japanese stock markets have in recent years rebounded after three decades of sluggish performance.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sluggish 
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Justin Davidson, Curbed, 13 Nov. 2024
The Arctic's relatively sluggish sea ice growth since the start of winter follows a summer that ended with the sixth lowest minimum extent on record.
—Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Industrial gas supplier Linde reported a solid third quarter on Thursday, proving once again its ability to grow revenues and earnings in a sluggish macro and industrial environment.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024
The Japanese stock markets have in recent years rebounded after three decades of sluggish performance.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024
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 1 Dec. 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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