Word
sluggish
Phoneticsslug·gish, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɫəɡɪʃ/
UK/slˈʌɡɪʃ/
Definition
adj. moving or reacting more slowly than usual. You use this when you feel tired or when a system, like a computer or the economy, is not working fast.
adj. characterised by a lack of energy, speed, or alertness. Often describes physical states, economic performance, or mechanical systems.
Examples
“I feel a bit sluggish after that heavy lunch.”
“The technician investigated why the server was sluggish during peak hours.”
“Economists expressed concern over the sluggish growth in the manufacturing sector, which has failed to recover despite significant government intervention.”
Examples
simple
“I feel a bit sluggish after that heavy lunch.”
contextual
“The technician investigated why the server was sluggish during peak hours.”
complex
“Economists expressed concern over the sluggish growth in the manufacturing sector, which has failed to recover despite significant government intervention.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'feel', 'become', or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“Liam Cullen, now of third-tier Leicester, pinched the ball from Sander Berge after the Fulham midfielder was sluggish to claim Fredrik Aursnes’s pass and Wales raced away from the scene.” “Given the sluggish nature of the EU economy, we shouldn’t expect those figures to start soaring.” Etymology
From slug + -ish.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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