sluggishly

UK: /ˈslʌgɪʃli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

slug•gish /ˈslʌgɪʃ/   adj. 

1. not working or functioning with full speed, energy, or ability:
   a sluggish heartbeat.
2. slow to act or respond:
   a sluggish engine.
3. slow or slow-moving, as a stream.
4. greatly reduced;
   slack, as trade or sales:
   The economy is sluggish.

slug•gish•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

slug•gish  (slug′ish), adj. 

1. indisposed to action or exertion;
   lacking in energy;
   lazy;
   indolent:
   a sluggish disposition.
2. not acting or working with full vigor, as bodily organs:
   a sluggish liver.
3. slow to act or respond:
   a sluggish car engine.
4. moving slowly, or having little motion, as a stream.
5. slow, as motion.
6. slack, as trade, business, or sales.

• late Middle English slugissh. See slug¹, -ish¹ 1400–50

slug′gish•ly, adv. 
slug′gish•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. slow, slothful. See inactive. 

Antonyms

• 1. quick, active.