slothlike

Slothlike is an English adjective meaning having the characteristics or appearance of a sloth. It is used to describe slow, deliberate movements, a relaxed posture, or a generally low-energy demeanor. Although it can be applied to people, the sense is descriptive rather than pejorative, and it often appears in literary or descriptive passages.

Etymology: The word combines the noun sloth, denoting the slow-moving mammal and the broader notion of laziness, with the suffix -like. The form can appear as slothlike or sloth-like, depending on style preferences. It is related to the adjective slothful, which more directly conveys moral or habitual laziness, and to synonyms such as sluggish, languid, and lethargic, though each term has its own nuance.

Usage: In zoological or natural history writing, slothlike describes locomotion that is intentionally slow, energy-conserving, and often deliberate. In everyday language, it can characterize a person’s reaction, pace of work, or the pace of an action or process. The tone is generally observational; it does not require moral judgment, though context can influence interpretation.

See also: sloth; slothful; sluggish; languid; lethargic.