sluggish
6 synonyms and 5 antonyms for sluggish, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Slow-moving, lacking energy or alertness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sluggish
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
feel sluggish
sluggish economy
sluggish growth
a sluggish response
Etymology
Built from "slug" (a lazy person) plus the adjective ending "-ish," meaning "characteristic of a slug."
Full origin of sluggish →Frequently asked questions
What does “sluggish” mean?
The word “sluggish” means slow-moving, lacking energy or alertness. In plain terms, slow, tired, and lacking energy — used for people, machines, or economies alike.
How do you pronounce “sluggish”?
“Sluggish” is pronounced SLUH-gihsh (/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sluggish” in a sentence?
Here is “sluggish” used in a sentence: “I always feel sluggish after a big lunch.”
What part of speech is “sluggish”?
“Sluggish” is an adjective.
Is “sluggish” a common word?
“Sluggish” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sluggish” have?
“Sluggish” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: slow-moving, lacking energy or alertness.
