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sluggishness

 - 4 dictionary results

slug⋅gish

[sluhg-ish]
–adjective
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.

Origin:
1400–50; late ME slugissh. See slug 1 , -ish 1


slug⋅gish⋅ly, adverb
slug⋅gish⋅ness, noun


1. slow, slothful. See inactive.


1. quick, active.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sluggishness
slug·gish   (slŭg'ĭsh)   
adj.  
  1. Displaying little movement or activity; slow; inactive: a sluggish stream; sluggish growth.

  2. Lacking alertness, vigor, or energy; inert or indolent.

  3. Slow to perform or respond to stimulation.


[Middle English, probably from slugge, lazy person; see slug2.]
slug'gish·ly adv., slug'gish·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

sluggish 
1440, from M.E. slugge "lazy person" (see sluggard). Earlier adj. was sluggi (c.1225).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: slug·gish
Pronunciation: 'sl&g-ish
Function: adjective
: markedly slow in movement, progression, or response <sluggishhealing> —slug·gish·ly adverbslug·gish·ness noun
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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