迟缓 is an adjective meaning 'slow' or 'sluggish', often describing physical movement, mental processing, or physiological functions. The first character 迟 means 'late' or 'delayed', and the second character 缓 means 'gentle', 'gradual', or 'relaxed'; together, they emphasize a lack of speed or responsiveness—not just in time, but in energy, reaction, or flow. It carries a slightly formal or clinical tone and is commonly used in medical, psychological, or observational contexts.

This word frequently appears in descriptions of bodily functions (e.g., reflexes, metabolism, speech), cognitive performance (e.g., thinking or reaction time), or natural processes (e.g., healing or growth). Unlike colloquial terms like 慢 (màn), 迟缓 suggests not merely slowness but a noticeable, sometimes concerning, reduction in expected pace or efficiency—often implying deviation from a norm or healthy baseline.