a sluggish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sluggish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slow-moving or lacking in energy or activity. Example: "The economy has been a sluggish performer this quarter, showing little growth compared to previous periods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amid a sluggish I.P.O.

The New York Times

But educational change is a sluggish affair.

The Economist

Agricultural production rose by a sluggish 0.9%.

The Economist

Economists predict a sluggish winter for Japan.

The New York Times

Translation can be a sluggish triumph.

The New Yorker

"It could be a sluggish start.

The Guardian - Business

They were up by a sluggish 0.9 per cent.

Independent

A sluggish European economy has global implications, Mr. Bullard said.

The New York Times

How would a sluggish economy affect Mr. Romney's odds?

The New York Times

Inflation and a sluggish economy are squeezing household budgets.

The Economist

A SLUGGISH economy ought at least to enjoy low inflation.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economic conditions, use "a sluggish" to accurately convey slow growth or decline. For example, "a sluggish economy" indicates a period of weak economic performance.

Common error

While "a sluggish" is versatile, overuse can make writing monotonous. Substitute with synonyms like "slow-moving" or "lethargic" to add variety and precision to your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sluggish" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies is characterized by a lack of speed, energy, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sluggish" is a versatile and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something that lacks speed, energy, or activity. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s widely employed across various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific reporting. While "a sluggish" is quite common, it's beneficial to use synonyms like "slow-moving" or "lethargic" to avoid repetition and maintain a varied writing style. Remember that while broadly applicable, it’s most effective when conveying a sense of underperformance or reduced vitality rather than just simple slowness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slow-moving

Focuses on the pace of movement or progress.

a lethargic

Emphasizes a lack of energy and enthusiasm.

a listless

Highlights a lack of interest or motivation.

a torpid

Indicates a state of inactivity or dormancy.

a stagnant

Suggests a lack of growth or development.

a languid

Implies a relaxed and unhurried pace, sometimes negatively.

a creeping

Describes something that advances slowly and subtly.

an inactive

Simply states a lack of activity.

a gradual

Emphasizes the slow rate of change or progress.

a measured

Implies a deliberate and controlled pace.

FAQs

How can I use "a sluggish" in a sentence?

You can use "a sluggish" to describe something slow or lacking energy. For example, "The company reported "a sluggish performance" this quarter" or "The stream was "a sluggish stream" on a hot day".

What are some alternatives to "a sluggish"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slow-moving", "lethargic", or "inactive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sluggish" or should I use another article?

The phrase "a sluggish" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular noun. For plural nouns, you would omit the article, for example, "sluggish sales".

What's the difference between "a sluggish" and "a slow"?

While both describe a lack of speed, "a sluggish" often implies a lack of energy or vitality, whereas "a slow" simply indicates a reduced pace. For example, "a sluggish economy" suggests deeper problems than just "a slow economy".