1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sluggish
In the meantime, their team’s performance has been sluggish at best.
—
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Starmer’s popularity has plunged as his government struggles to kick-start a sluggish economy.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
A little over five minutes later, the Leafs again pounced on a sluggish Panthers side when John Tavares stuffed a wraparound goal past Bobrovsky.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Maple Leafs have a 12-8 edge in shots on goal, but the Panthers looked considerably better down the stretch after a sluggish opening six minutes.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Starmer’s popularity has plunged as his government struggles to kick-start a sluggish economy.
—Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
A little over five minutes later, the Leafs again pounced on a sluggish Panthers side when John Tavares stuffed a wraparound goal past Bobrovsky.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 May 2025
The Maple Leafs have a 12-8 edge in shots on goal, but the Panthers looked considerably better down the stretch after a sluggish opening six minutes.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
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Despite the retirement of highly successful Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, the transition to Vulcan has been slow and continues to impact the completion of Space Force mission objectives.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
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Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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When Tommy leaves to bring his sleepy son home, Maria revisits her and Joel’s conversation about refugees.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
18 May 2025
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Photos of my kid's birthday parties are no longer me with bleary, sleepy drinking eyes.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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Usually, these leisurely times call for a crisp beverage, and summer’s biggest trend calls for just that—plus a few slices of jalapeños.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
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Ahh, the leisurely lifestyle of the one-show-a-week model!—
Jessica M. Goldstein,
Vulture,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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The bittersweet result didn’t dull a remarkable career and legacy for Kelly.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
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But the drama can be very stolid, borderline dull at times.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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For the past couple weeks, the Orioles have appeared quite lethargic.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
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Pets may appear lethargic, exhibit loss of appetite, vomit or have diarrhea.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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