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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sluggish
Despite Mercury retrograde's sluggish energy in the cosmos, there’s still a lot of momentum dazzling the zodiac this week.
—
Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
Perry came in blazing with energy, but the Phoenix crowd seemed sluggish at first.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
There are concerning signs, though Cohn said weak economic growth, a sluggish housing market and the state’s fiscal health were among the negative factors for Michigan in the economic category.
—Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Chris MacFarland had an idea for why the NHL’s free agent frenzy felt more sluggish than spectacular.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
Perry came in blazing with energy, but the Phoenix crowd seemed sluggish at first.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
There are concerning signs, though Cohn said weak economic growth, a sluggish housing market and the state’s fiscal health were among the negative factors for Michigan in the economic category.
—Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Chris MacFarland had an idea for why the NHL’s free agent frenzy felt more sluggish than spectacular.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
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Without automation, errors are common and reimbursement is slow.—
Duke Chung,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
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Skin Conditions Dry, itchy skin, and wounds or cuts that are slow to heal can be a sign of hyperglycemia.—
Barbie Cervoni,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Usyk and Dubois have some work to do to save a pretty sleepy event in London.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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At the time, Positano was still a sleepy fishing village.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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While several of our Central Texas neighbors are basking in the top 30, Austin seems to have taken a leisurely stroll down to the 164th spot.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Maresca’s squad management will be more critical than ever, particularly given that Chelsea’s relatively leisurely Conference League midweek matches are set to be replaced by the return of much more exacting Champions League football to Stamford Bridge.—
Liam Twomey,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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The best vitamin C cleansers can come in handy for this—most are packed with brightening antioxidants and fruit enzymes to gently slough away dull, dead skin and protect it from free radicals.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
17 July 2025
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For organizations looking to unlock efficiency and save their human workforces from dull and repetitive tasks, agents represent an exciting opportunity.—
Aytekin Tank,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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If your pet shows symptoms such as a high fever or swollen lymph nodes, is lethargic, has a loss of appetite or develops a cough or eye drainage, contact a veterinarian immediately.—
Stephanie Innes,
AZCentral.com,
11 July 2025
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The lethargic Bay Area economy had the smallest cost-of-living increase at 15%.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Orange County Register,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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