sluggish

American  

[sluhg-ish] / ˈslʌg ɪʃ /

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.

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sluggish British  

/ ˈslʌɡɪʃ /

adjective

1. lacking energy; inactive; slow-moving

2. functioning at below normal rate or level

3. exhibiting poor response to stimulation

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Related Words

See inactive.

Other Word Forms

• sluggishly adverb
• sluggishness noun
• unsluggish adjective
• unsluggishly adverb
• unsluggishness noun

Etymology

Origin of sluggish

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

Example Sentences

A weak economy is expected to keep domestic patient growth sluggish.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, geopolitical uncertainties, including recent tariffs, have recently seen partners across most markets hesitate to replenish inventory, while sales in Asia Pacific have remained sluggish.

From The Wall Street Journal

The county has promised to turbocharge the sluggish pace, enacting a one-step permitting center and waiving some fees.

From Los Angeles Times

It took nearly four minutes for USC to find the basket to start the game, its offense picking up right where it left off Saturday in its sluggish loss to UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times

A puzzle for today is the sluggish response of the opposition, led by Ms. Machado.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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