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

China’s economy is sluggish, its property sector is sinking, nearly 20% of its young people are struggling to find jobs and it has one of the world’s fastest growing ageing populations.

From BBC

The Rams had a sluggish start before getting their passing game together and defeating the New England Patriots, but does this look like a playoff team?

From Los Angeles Times

The 58-year-old Tyson seemed sluggish in his first fight in nearly 20 years.

From Salon

The long-ruling party has become increasingly unpopular as Japan finds itself in the throes of economic challenges including soaring inflation, a sluggish economy and a weak yen.

From BBC

After a sluggish first quarter, the Lakers started to do the things the coaching staff has been emphasizing, zooming past the Raptors for a 123-103 win to stay undefeated at Crypto.com Arena.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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