lackluster

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'lackluster' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that is dull, uninspiring, or lacking enthusiasm. For example, “The production of the play was lackluster, making for a disappointing evening.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Taking one point from BMO Field could be seen as a good thing and the comeback might temporarily drown the lackluster defensive performance for Les Bleus de Montreal' There isn't a defense problem at the Impact: there is a "defensive" mind-set problem at the Impact.

The Guardian - Sport

This was probably Biden overcompensating for his boss's lackluster performance last week.

The Guardian

She could arguably have more influence as a talking head than as a legislator, especially considering her rather lackluster attendance record as an actual congressperson.

The Guardian - Opinion

The positive recommendation is a major victory for a drug sometimes hailed as "female Viagra", but which has been plagued by for years by concerns about its lackluster effectiveness and safety issues.

The Guardian

The Murdochs are the largest shareholders in the News Corp empire and control the majority of votes, but the decision to hive off the firm's lackluster (and troubled) publishing assets after years of refusal suggests there are more changes to come and the 81-year-old Rupert Murdoch's grasp on his empire may be slipping.

The Guardian

As Christie considers a Republican presidential campaign, the prospect of a renaissance for heavily Democratic Camden would offer a useful counterpoint to New Jersey's lackluster economic performance.

The Guardian

He has a track record, and it is one many consider lackluster, even flawed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Biden had the primary goal of firing up Democrats after President Obama's lackluster performance last week.

The Guardian

The vote comes amid widespread discontent with politicians in Mexico, where a series of corruption scandals, a lackluster economy and human rights concerns related to the missing students and suspected army massacres have tarnished Peña Nieto's image and fed anti-government protests.

The Guardian

It was a nightmare round for tipsters, but the honour for the most lackluster game of the round – the Giants' win over St Kilda – was at least easy to predict.

The Guardian - Sport

Given approaching elections, economic turmoil, and lackluster political support for liberalisation, why risk a collapse of multilateral talks now?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an atmosphere, performance, or even an economy, "lackluster" can effectively convey a sense of stagnation or ordinariness.

Common error

Avoid using "lackluster" when a stronger, more critical term is appropriate. "Lackluster" suggests something is merely uninspiring, not necessarily terrible or disastrous. If you intend to convey stronger disapproval, choose words like "awful", "dismal", or "terrible" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "lackluster" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that is uninspiring, dull, or lacking in vitality. Ludwig confirms this, providing examples where "lackluster" describes performance, reviews, economy, and more.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Lackluster" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that lacks brilliance, enthusiasm, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms that it functions grammatically as an adjective and carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting disappointment. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, to objectively describe performance, economies, or reviews. While several alternatives like "uninspired" or "dull" exist, "lackluster" provides a nuanced way to express a mild disappointment. When using the word, remember it indicates something is uninspiring rather than disastrous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uninspired

Single word expressing a lack of inspiration.

dull

Simpler, more general term indicating a lack of excitement or interest.

unremarkable

Highlights the absence of noteworthy qualities.

mediocre

Indicates an average or below-average quality.

pedestrian

Suggests a lack of originality or imagination.

vapid

Emphasizes a lack of substance or depth.

flat

Describes something lacking energy or enthusiasm.

lacking vitality

More explicit phrase indicating an absence of energy or life.

unexceptional

Directly states the absence of exceptional qualities.

ho-hum

Informal term expressing boredom or indifference.

FAQs

How to use "lackluster" in a sentence?

You can use "lackluster" to describe something that is uninspiring or dull. For instance, "The movie received "lackluster reviews"" or "The economy's performance was "lackluster this quarter"".

What can I say instead of "lackluster"?

You can use alternatives like "uninspired", "dull", or "unremarkable" depending on the context.

What does "lackluster" mean?

"Lackluster" means lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring.

Is it correct to say a "lackluster" performance?

Yes, it is correct. "Lackluster" is often used to describe performances, efforts, or results that are disappointing or uninspiring. For example, "The team's "performance was lackluster"".