adjective

sluggish

SLUH-gihsh

adjective

Slow-moving, lacking energy or alertness.

"I always feel sluggish after a big lunch."

"The old computer became sluggish after years of use."

Showing little activity or growth, especially in an economy or market.

"Sales remained sluggish throughout the winter months."

How to Use Sluggish

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSlow, tired, and lacking energy — used for people, machines, or economies alike.

Common pairings

feel sluggish sluggish economy sluggish growth a sluggish response

sluggisher comparative, more sluggish comparative, sluggishest superlative, most sluggish superlative

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I always feel _____ after a big lunch.

Built from "slug" (a lazy person) plus the adjective ending "-ish," meaning "characteristic of a slug."