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Definition of sluggishly

sluggishly

/ˈslʌɡ.ɪʃ.li/
slug · gish · ly
Adjective:sluggish
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sluggishly Lexical Profile

sluggishly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a slow-moving, lethargic, or inactive manner, lacking energy or alertness.

Example

"After staying up all night studying, he moved sluggishly through his morning routine."

2

At a slower rate of activity, growth, or responsiveness than normal or expected (especially of an economy, market, or machine).

Example

"The older computer responded sluggishly when several large applications were open at once."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for sluggishly

• Rhymes for sluggishly

• Nearby Words

slugfest
slugger
sluggish
sluggishly
sluggishness
sluglike
sluice

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'sluggish' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Sluggish' derives from Middle English 'sluggissen' (to be lazy or idle), from 'slugge' (a lazy person), probably of Scandinavian origin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sluggishly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sluggishly
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