a slow start
idiom
: lack of success at first
Despite a slow start at the box office, the movie's popularity has increased steadily.
The team got off to a slow start this season but is playing well now.
Examples of a slow start in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Much of the western US has languished in snow drought this winter due to unusually warm temperatures — meaning a slow start to the ski season and fears for summer water supplies.
—
Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Reinhart and Marchand are the Panthers’ top goal scorers and point producers, while Bennett is playing a career high in minutes and has filled up the scoresheet over the past two months after a slow start to the season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
As February gets underway, the year's big lotteries are off to a slow start as only one jackpot winner has been crowned between Powerball and Mega Millions.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Veteran forward Kiefer Sherwood made his Sharks debut on Wednesday and, like most of his teammates, made his presence felt after a slow start.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
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Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Reinhart and Marchand are the Panthers’ top goal scorers and point producers, while Bennett is playing a career high in minutes and has filled up the scoresheet over the past two months after a slow start to the season.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
As February gets underway, the year's big lotteries are off to a slow start as only one jackpot winner has been crowned between Powerball and Mega Millions.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Veteran forward Kiefer Sherwood made his Sharks debut on Wednesday and, like most of his teammates, made his presence felt after a slow start.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for a slow start
Cite this Entry
“A slow start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slow%20start. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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