2
: slow to respond (as to stimulation or treatment)
3
a
: markedly slow in movement, flow, or growth
b
: economically inactive or slow
sluggishly
adverb
sluggishness
noun
Examples of sluggish in a Sentence
The game picked up after a sluggish start.
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite a very sluggish start to the year, which saw the weakest January for home sales since 2008, purchases in the first quarter are now down only 5% compared to the same period a year ago.
—
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
If Manhattan’s first quarter felt sluggish, the weather didn’t help.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Coca-Cola on Thursday unveiled a new marketing campaign to boost sales of its soda at restaurants as declining traffic and sluggish sales growth challenge both the industry and its top beverage supplier.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
While experts say the funds are beginning to make a difference, the sluggish pace of spending in some communities, from the wine country of Grand Traverse County to mid-Michigan's Eaton County, has frustrated some state leaders.
—CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
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.
Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
If Manhattan’s first quarter felt sluggish, the weather didn’t help.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
Coca-Cola on Thursday unveiled a new marketing campaign to boost sales of its soda at restaurants as declining traffic and sluggish sales growth challenge both the industry and its top beverage supplier.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
While experts say the funds are beginning to make a difference, the sluggish pace of spending in some communities, from the wine country of Grand Traverse County to mid-Michigan's Eaton County, has frustrated some state leaders.
—CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sluggish. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sluggish
adjective
slug·gish
ˈsləg-ish 
: slow in movement or reaction by habit or condition
sluggishly
adverb
sluggishness
noun
Medical Definition
sluggish
adjective
slug·gish
ˈsləg-ish
: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response
sluggish healing
sluggishly
adverb
sluggishness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
