The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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sluggish

adjective

/ˈslʌg ɪʃ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of sluggish

Lacking in energy, slow in movement, or exhibiting a delayed or reduced response.
"The computer's performance was sluggish, with programs taking longer to load."

Detailed meaning of sluggish

It suggests a state of lethargy, slowness, or decreased activity. When applied to physical objects, it implies a slow or delayed action or movement, often with a sense of heaviness or inertia. In reference to people or animals, it indicates a reduced level of energy, alertness, or responsiveness. Sluggishness can also describe mental or cognitive processes that are slow or dulled, resulting in delayed or sluggish thinking. It can be caused by factors such as fatigue, illness, lack of motivation, or inefficiency. Overall, the term "sluggish" conveys a sense of reduced speed, activity, or responsiveness, often implying a need for increased energy, stimulation, or efficiency to overcome the sluggish state.

Example sentences containing sluggish

1. The sluggish traffic made her late for work.
2. After a heavy meal, he felt sluggish and had difficulty staying awake.
3. The hot weather made the dog appear sluggish and less energetic.
4. The sluggish economy resulted in a decrease in consumer spending.
5. The hiker felt sluggish as they climbed the steep hill.
6. The sluggish river flowed lazily through the valley.

History and etymology of sluggish

The adjective 'sluggish' finds its etymological origins in the Middle English word 'slugge,' which referred to a slow, lazy person or a slow-moving animal, particularly a snail. The term 'slugge' itself was influenced by the Old Norse word 'slugga,' meaning 'to move slowly.' This connection to the idea of slow movement and a lack of energy led to the development of the word 'sluggish' in Modern English. It describes something or someone that is lacking in vitality, slow in physical or mental response, or exhibits a general state of inertia. The association with the leisurely pace of a snail underscores the adjective's essence, conveying a sense of slowness and a reduced level of activity or alertness.

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Further usage examples of sluggish

1. The student's sluggish progress in math was a cause for concern.
2. The company experienced a sluggish start to the year, with slow sales growth.
3. The medication caused her to feel drowsy and sluggish.
4. The sluggish response from customer service frustrated the unhappy customer.
5. The team's sluggish performance in the first half cost them the game.
6. The sluggish internet connection made it difficult to stream videos.
7. The sluggish pace of the meeting bored the participants.
8. The sluggish market conditions led to a decrease in investor confidence.
9. The sluggish traffic made her late for the meeting.
10. After a heavy meal, I always feel sluggish.
11. The economy is showing signs of sluggish growth.
12. His sluggish computer frustrated his work efforts.
13. The sluggish river meandered through the valley.
14. The heatwave left people feeling sluggish and lethargic.
15. The car's old battery caused sluggish engine performance.
16. The sluggish turtle slowly made its way across the road.
17. After the long flight, I felt sluggish and exhausted.
18. The sluggish response to the crisis was concerning.
19. She had a sluggish reaction time due to fatigue.
20. The company's sales were sluggish this quarter.
21. The sluggish stock market worried investors.
22. The medicine helped alleviate her sluggish metabolism.
23. The computer's sluggish performance was frustrating.
24. The sluggish economy led to job losses.
25. The heat made the air conditioner feel sluggish.
26. The team's sluggish start cost them the game.
27. The sluggish stream flowed lazily through the forest.
28. The medication improved her previously sluggish reflexes.