a lukewarm response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lukewarm response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reaction or feedback that is neither enthusiastic nor completely negative, indicating indifference or mildness. Example: "The new product launch received a lukewarm response from customers, suggesting that more marketing efforts are needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A call for a general strike received a lukewarm response.

The New York Times

In particular, Bush's speech received only a lukewarm response.

The Guardian

Some viewers had a lukewarm response to the American ads.

The New York Times

A French bond auction also received a lukewarm response.

The New York Times

Atom Egoyan's Where the Truth Lies has generated only a lukewarm response.

The Guardian - Film

Needless to say, this has received a lukewarm response from Labour.

The Guardian

Given the scant detail, the announcement received only a lukewarm response.

The Guardian - Money

"You do something in isolation, and get prepared for a lukewarm response.

The Guardian - Film

Before the summit US officials had been resigned to a lukewarm response to calls for troops.

The Guardian

A lukewarm response to Bachmann carried over as Romney's son's took to the stage.

The Guardian

Yet the most recent sale of exploration rights attracted a lukewarm response from foreign bidders.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, provide context on what the expected response was. This helps emphasize the contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "a lukewarm response" when the reaction is outright negative. "Lukewarm" implies a lack of enthusiasm, not active disapproval. Ensure the context reflects mildness, not opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lukewarm response" functions as a noun phrase typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., received, generated, met with). It describes the quality of the response, indicating a lack of enthusiasm or strong positive feeling, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lukewarm response" is a noun phrase used to describe a reaction lacking enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media. While "a lukewarm response" isn't inherently negative, it suggests a lack of strong positive feelings. When you want to emphasize the lack of enthusiasm or excitement towards something, this phrase works nicely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tepid reaction

Replaces "response" with "reaction", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

a half-hearted reception

Emphasizes the lack of commitment in the reception, similar to a lukewarm response.

an unenthusiastic reply

Focuses on the lack of enthusiasm in the reply, conveying a similar sentiment.

a muted reaction

Highlights the subdued nature of the reaction, indicating a lack of strong feelings.

a cool reception

Suggests a lack of warmth or enthusiasm in the reception.

a passive acceptance

Implies acceptance without any active enthusiasm or support.

a disinterested acknowledgement

Focuses on the lack of interest in the acknowledgement, similar to a lukewarm response.

a feeble echo

Metaphorically describes the response as weak and lacking impact.

a tame reaction

Highlights the subdued and unexciting nature of the reaction.

a modest welcome

Indicates a welcome that is not overly enthusiastic or celebratory.

FAQs

How to use "a lukewarm response" in a sentence?

You can use "a lukewarm response" to describe reactions to various events, ideas, or products. For example: "The new policy received "a lukewarm response" from employees".

What can I say instead of "a lukewarm response"?

You can use alternatives like "a tepid reaction", "a half-hearted reception", or "an unenthusiastic reply" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a lukewarm response" or "a cold response"?

"A lukewarm response" indicates a lack of enthusiasm, while "a cold response" implies outright negativity or hostility. The correct phrase depends on the specific context of the reaction.

What's the difference between "a lukewarm response" and "a mixed response"?

"A lukewarm response" indicates a general lack of enthusiasm. "A mixed response", on the other hand, suggests that some people reacted positively, while others reacted negatively.