Sluggish/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Slowness Describes someone or something moving with less speed or energy than expected. The athletes were sluggish in the hot weather. Pro Tip 2/3Temporary State Use 'sluggish' to describe a temporary condition, not a permanent trait. She's not usually this sluggish; she just didn't sleep well. Pro Tip 3/3After Inactivity Often used when someone is slow to start activity or respond after being idle. I always feel sluggish after a long flight.