sluggish
UK: ˈslʌɡɪʃ | US: ˈslʌɡɪʃ
adj. lacking energy or alertness; slow-moving or inactive
adj. (of business/economy) lacking vitality or progress
The word "sluggish" derives from "slug," referring to the slow-moving mollusk, combined with the suffix "-ish," which forms adjectives implying resemblance or tendency. The term emerged in the late 16th century to describe lethargic behavior, metaphorically extending the snail’s pace to human or economic inactivity. The logic is vivid: just as a slug moves slowly, a sluggish person or system lacks speed or vigor.
After lunch, I felt too sluggish to focus on work.
The economy remained sluggish due to low consumer spending.
His sluggish response delayed the entire project.
The car’s sluggish acceleration made merging onto the highway difficult.
A sluggish metabolism can lead to weight gain.