Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Slow-moving or lacking energy: Describes something or someone that moves, reacts, or functions with very little speed, energy, or alertness.
   • Not active or brisk: Used to describe a market, business, or economy that is slow and shows little activity or growth.
   • Slow to respond or function: Indicates a delayed or lethargic response, often due to physical or mental inertia.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person or animal:
• Describing a process or system:
• Describing economic activity:

Advanced Usage

• "to feel sluggish": to feel lethargic, tired, and slow.
• "a sluggish start": a slow or ineffective beginning to an activity or event.

Variants and Related Words

• Sluggishly (adverb): in a slow, lazy, or reluctant manner.
• Sluggishness (noun): the quality or state of being sluggish.

Synonyms

• Lethargic: affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.
• Inert: lacking the ability or strength to move.
• Torpid: mentally or physically inactive; lethargic.
• Languid: displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed.

Antonyms

• Energetic: showing or involving great activity or vitality.
• Brisk: active, fast, and energetic.
• Vigorous: strong, healthy, and full of energy.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Sluggish as molasses (in January): extremely slow-moving. (Note: This is an idiomatic simile using "sluggish" as a descriptor.)

Adjective

1. slow and apathetic
   • she was fat and inert
   • a sluggish worker
   • a mind grown torpid in old age
2. (of business) not active or brisk
   • business is dull (or slow)
   • a sluggish market
3. moving slowly
   • a sluggish stream