sluggishly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sluggishly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is done slowly or with a lack of energy or enthusiasm. Example: "The cat moved sluggishly across the room, clearly not in a hurry to find its favorite spot on the couch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is perhaps for this reason that it was a defining moment in my childhood that features heavily in the fiction I am sluggishly working on.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It'll be up to us, like it is every year," said Elphick, who had started sluggishly in the second tier only to convince Howe he could thrive at that level.

The Guardian - Sport

Privatisation, which could tap Nigerians' commercial energies, proceeds sluggishly.

The Economist

Britain still grants admission too sluggishly and too grudgingly (many Chinese visitors join tours only because the government does not like giving visas to independent travellers, even though they stay longer and spend more).

The Economist

There real value-added rose only sluggishly, but employment expanded significantly.

The Economist

This may help to explain why British productivity has grown only sluggishly in recent years.

The Economist

Thanks in part to the European Central Bank's tight monetary policy, in part to the fiscal-policy restrictions of the stability pact and in part to their own failure to implement reforms, the biggest European economies have grown only sluggishly in recent years.

The Economist

To be sure, consumers often respond sluggishly to events, but this crisis has not suddenly crept up on people.

The Economist

By contrast, oil flows much more sluggishly through impermeable tight rock.

The Economist

One reason is that business surveys like Ifo's often give too much weight to manufacturing and too little to services, which have been growing much more sluggishly in Germany.In this section Once more unto the breach, dear clients, once more Learn as you churn Leading us astray?

The Economist

And the economy appears to have begun the year sluggishly (although bad weather has made it harder than usual to tell).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing economies or markets, use "sluggishly" to indicate slow growth or activity. This provides a more nuanced description than simply saying "slow".

Common error

Do not pair "sluggishly" with verbs that inherently denote energetic action. For example, "He ran sluggishly" is contradictory; consider using a different adverb or verb altogether.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sluggishly" primarily functions as an adverb of manner, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that an action is carried out in a slow and lacking-in-energy fashion, either physically or figuratively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sluggishly" functions as an adverb denoting slow or lacking-in-energy action, suitable for describing various processes from economic growth to physical movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully to avoid contradictions with energetic verbs. Alternatives such as ""lethargically"" or ""slowly"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. "Sluggishly" is most frequently encountered in news media and encyclopedic sources, indicating its applicability in both informative and descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethargically

Replaces "sluggishly" with a focus on laziness and lack of energy.

slowly

A more general term for moving without haste, suitable for most contexts where "sluggishly" is used.

listlessly

Suggests a lack of enthusiasm or interest in the action, similar to "sluggishly".

languidly

Implies a relaxed and unhurried manner, often with a slightly negative connotation of being weak or tired.

torpidly

Emphasizes inactivity and reduced mental or physical vigor; stronger than "sluggishly".

in a slow manner

A more descriptive phrase that replaces the single adverb "sluggishly" to express slowness.

at a snail's pace

An idiomatic expression indicating very slow progress or movement, more figurative than "sluggishly".

without energy

Focuses on the absence of vigor or vitality, capturing one aspect of the meaning of "sluggishly".

heavily

Suggests a burden or weight affecting movement, conveying a sense of difficulty similar to "sluggishly".

with delayed response

Highlights the slow reaction time, applicable in contexts where "sluggishly" describes a delayed reaction.

FAQs

How can I use "sluggishly" in a sentence?

"Sluggishly" is typically used to modify verbs, describing actions performed slowly or without energy. For example: "The economy grew "sluggishly" this quarter" or "The old dog moved "sluggishly" across the room."

What are some synonyms for "sluggishly"?

Alternatives to "sluggishly" include "lethargically", "slowly", and "languidly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "growing sluggishly"?

Yes, it's correct. "Growing "sluggishly"" is often used to describe slow or weak economic growth, as seen in various news and media sources.

What's the difference between "sluggishly" and "slowly"?

While both describe a lack of speed, "sluggishly" often implies a lack of energy or enthusiasm, whereas ""slowly"" simply indicates a lack of speed without necessarily implying a lack of energy. For instance, a river might flow "slowly", but an economy grows "sluggishly".