1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of sluggish
Anything less will lead to sluggish thinking and slower reaction times, and can raise your risk for long-term health problems as well.
—
Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
Compounding the problem is a sluggish regulatory process that hinders the approval and development of new energy projects.
—H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 16 Feb. 2025
More energy: Fewer sluggish mornings and afternoon crashes.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
Editors’ Picks The industry has gotten a boost from China’s broader efforts to stimulate consumer spending and reinvigorate a sluggish economy.
—Claire Fu, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025
Compounding the problem is a sluggish regulatory process that hinders the approval and development of new energy projects.
—H. Russell Frisby, Baltimore Sun, 16 Feb. 2025
More energy: Fewer sluggish mornings and afternoon crashes.
—Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2025
Editors’ Picks The industry has gotten a boost from China’s broader efforts to stimulate consumer spending and reinvigorate a sluggish economy.
—Claire Fu, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
-
The 2024-25 Bruins are slow, short on skill, inconsistent on defense and diminished in net.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
-
In the men’s draw, Daniil Medvedev, the Russian powerhouse, has been crushing it on slow courts.—
David Hochman,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
At around 270 square miles, Menorca charms travelers with its sleepy villages (like Fornells and Binibeca), history (centuries-old lighthouses and archaeological sites), local wines, and under-the-radar beaches.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
AFAR Media,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The story of this estate began when the original owners transported two period buildings from Melbourne to a sleepy farm town along the Murray River.—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Ahead of you lies a day—or a week, a summer, or a lifetime—of leisurely unwinding.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Mar. 2025
-
The event should take about two hours walking at a leisurely pace.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The fight was very dull and Ankalaev most held his way to the victory.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Without their alternate selves to tug at them, these characters would be dull, dull, dull.—
Katy Waldman,
The New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Huskies got out to a lethargic start and struggled for more than four minutes to get a shot to fall.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Feb. 2025
-
There is one statistic which neatly encapsulates this lethargic performance.—
Jay Harris,
The Athletic,
7 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to sluggish
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share