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
The wrap will return to McDonald’s menus on July 10 as the company struggles to turnaround a sluggish start to the year.
—
Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
With limited law enforcement action targeting clearnet advertisers and a sluggish regulatory response, the risk-reward balance heavily favors fraudsters.
—Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Turnout seemed sluggish and delays appeared the norm Sunday at several polling sites in the capital.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The Panthers were up only 1-0 after a sluggish start when Anthony came to the plate in the bottom of the third with one out and Garza on second.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
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Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
With limited law enforcement action targeting clearnet advertisers and a sluggish regulatory response, the risk-reward balance heavily favors fraudsters.
—Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Turnout seemed sluggish and delays appeared the norm Sunday at several polling sites in the capital.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
The Panthers were up only 1-0 after a sluggish start when Anthony came to the plate in the bottom of the third with one out and Garza on second.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 6 Jun. 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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