What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilatory
Example
His dilatory response to the email caused further confusion. [dilatory: adjective]
Example
The company's dilatory tactics in addressing the issue led to customer dissatisfaction. [dilatory: noun]
sluggish
Example
The sluggish economy has led to a decrease in consumer spending. [sluggish: adjective]
Example
After a long day at work, I feel sluggish and unmotivated. [sluggish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sluggish is more commonly used than dilatory in everyday language. Sluggish is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dilatory is less common and often used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dilatory and sluggish?
Dilatory is typically associated with a formal and legalistic tone, while sluggish is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.