sluggish

[ sluhg-ish ]

adjective

1. indisposed to action or exertion; lacking in energy; lazy; indolent:

   a sluggish disposition.

   Synonyms: slothful, slow

   Antonyms: active, quick

2. not acting or working with full vigor, as bodily organs:

   a sluggish liver.

3. slow to act or respond:

   a sluggish car engine.

4. moving slowly, or having little motion, as a stream.
5. slow, as motion.
6. slack, as trade, business, or sales.

sluggish

/ ˈslʌɡɪʃ /

adjective

1. lacking energy; inactive; slow-moving
2. functioning at below normal rate or level
3. exhibiting poor response to stimulation

Derived Forms

• ˈsluggishly, adverb
• ˈsluggishness, noun

Other Words From

• sluggish·ly adverb
• sluggish·ness noun
• un·sluggish adjective
• un·sluggish·ly adverb
• un·sluggish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sluggish¹

First recorded in 1400–50, sluggish is from the late Middle English word slugissh. See slug ¹, -ish ¹

Synonym Study

See inactive.

Example Sentences

Australia capitalised on a sluggish Irish start.

From BBC

The quick reaction also prevents the more sluggish process that forms chlorine gas.

From Science Magazine

But with Europe’s economies sluggish, and voters worried about the cost of living, governments say there is little cash to spare.

From BBC

Economies are sluggish, voters unhappy, traditional politics under pressure from the far-right and the far-left.

From BBC

“But their recovery is unfolding at a sluggish pace in reading and math.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heavy
• inactive
• lethargic
• listless
• slack
• slow
• stagnant