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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins can’t afford a slow start in an improved AFC East. Mike Jones, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025 After a slow start in the first, Colleyville Heritage hit the gas, and never looked back. Chris Winters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025 Peru has had a slow start to qualifying and is struggling to score goals. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 After a slow start at Reading this year, Miller has been scorching hot. Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for a slow start

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“A slow start.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20slow%20start. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!