Sluggish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ด
sluggish
[หslสษกษชส ]
Definitions
move slowly
Slow-moving or lacking energy; characterized by a slow and lazy pace.
Synonyms
languid, lethargic, listless, slow, sluggardly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sluggish |
Use in situations where you want to describe someone or something moving more slowly than usual, often due to tiredness or lack of energy.
|
| slow |
General term to describe something or someone not moving at a fast pace; use in neutral or everyday situations.
|
| lethargic |
Usually refers to a state of extreme tiredness or laziness, often to the point of not wanting to do anything.
|
| languid |
Best for describing a gentle, relaxed, and unhurried manner, often giving a sense of ease or gracefulness.
|
| listless |
Describes a lack of enthusiasm or energy, often due to boredom or sadness.
|
| sluggardly |
An old-fashioned or literary term that negatively describes someone as lazy or slow-moving, often implies laziness or lack of effort.
|
Examples of usage
- He felt sluggish after eating a heavy meal.
- The sluggish traffic made him late for work.
- She was feeling sluggish in the hot weather.
mentally slow
Displaying a lack of mental alertness; slow to understand or react.
Synonyms
dim-witted, dull, slow-witted, unintelligent.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sluggish |
Use when describing someone or something that is moving slowly, lacking energy, or not performing efficiently.
|
| dull |
Typically means lacking interest, excitement, or brightness. When used for a person, it implies that someone is not mentally sharp or lively.
|
| dim-witted |
This term refers to a person who is slow to understand or think, often used in a negative and judgmental way.
|
| slow-witted |
Describes someone who takes longer than usual to understand things, often regarded disparagingly.
|
| unintelligent |
Refers to lacking intelligence or the ability to think and learn, generally carrying a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The sluggish student struggled to keep up with the rest of the class.
- Her sluggish response indicated a lack of interest.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling sluggish can be a result of mental fatigue, not just physical tiredness.
- Studies show that inadequate sleep can lead to a sluggish feeling during the day, affecting focus and productivity.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can cause seasonal sluggishness due to reduced sunlight exposure during winter months.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, sluggish characters often represent the 'lazy' trope, such as the tortoise in Aesopโs fable about the race against the hare.
- The term has been used in song lyrics to describe slow-moving feelings, often associated with heartbreak or depression.
- Many cartoon characters, like Pooh Bear, exhibit sluggish behavior, emphasizing a carefree or lazy attitude.
Health
- Dietary choices, such as excessive sugar and processed foods, can contribute to a sluggish feeling after meals.
- Regular exercise increases energy levels and reduces feelings of sluggishness, promoting physical and mental well-being.
- Dehydration is a common cause of sluggishness, highlighting the importance of drinking enough water daily.
Nature
- Certain animals, like sloths and some reptiles, naturally have sluggish movements, conserving energy in their environments.
- Sluggishness in weather can refer to slow-moving storms or low-pressure systems, leading to prolonged rain or gloominess.
- In ecology, the term can describe slow-paced ecosystems, like wetlands, which have moderated energy flows compared to more dynamic environments.
Origin of 'sluggish'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'slugga', which refers to a 'slug' or 'snail', emphasizing slowness.
- It has connections with Middle Dutch 'sloeg', meaning slow or lazy, giving insight into its historical uses.
- In 15th-century English, it was used in various forms to describe lethargy and lack of movement.
The word 'sluggish' originated in the late 16th century, derived from the Middle English 'slugge', meaning lazy or indolent. Over time, it evolved to represent a lack of energy or speed in both physical and mental aspects. The term has been used to describe slow-moving objects or individuals who lack vitality.