lukewarm approval

USAGE SUMMARY

"lukewarm approval" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a somewhat neutral or tepid level of approval or support for something. Example: Despite the lukewarm approval from the board, the new policy was implemented.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Wall Street granted lukewarm approval, marking shares in both firms down a little.Reaction was muted partly because there was nothing surprising about the deal.

The Economist

This is not to be confused with the end of the coalition's honeymoon, which – if lukewarm approval ratings are any guide – has also come astonishingly fast.

The Guardian

Bella had not included her first husband's name on her mother's gravestone — her mother had given only lukewarm approval to the marriage.

The New Yorker

In Britain, the colonial experiment is still approached with something akin to public ambivalence, tilting towards lukewarm approval.

Vice

The new settlement terms, which expand on those reached in another deal last year before being rejected by a judge, were met with lukewarm approval from civil liberties advocates.

Vice

The new settlement terms, which expand on those reached in another deal last year before being rejected by a judge, were met with lukewarm approval from civil liberties advocates.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But if the mayor wants to make the ban a part of regular city traffic regulations, as Mayor Edward I. Koch tried unsuccessfully to do in 1981, he would need the approval of the State Legislature, which might be lukewarm to such a measure during an election year.

The New York Times

The possible cardiovascular risks of Contrave, combined with only modest effectiveness, left the advisory committee somewhat lukewarm about the drug even as it voted to recommend approval.

The New York Times

The next morning, the empty shells of burned-out houses were visible in several areas.The EU has cut off aid to Togo because of the government's lukewarm commitment to democracy and human rights, so Mr Eyadéma is anxious that this week's poll should win international approval.

The Economist

Tomato soup arrived lukewarm.

The New York Times - Travel

In lukewarm applause.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lukewarm approval" when you want to express that something received a mild and unenthusiastic acceptance. It's suitable when the response isn't outright rejection but also lacks genuine support.

Common error

Avoid using "lukewarm approval" when you mean strong disapproval or rejection. "Lukewarm approval" indicates a lack of enthusiasm, not necessarily active opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lukewarm approval" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lukewarm" modifies the noun "approval". It describes the quality or degree of approval received. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lukewarm approval" is a grammatically correct and frequently encountered phrase, especially within News & Media. As Ludwig AI states, it serves to describe a scenario of mild acceptance or endorsement characterized by a distinct lack of enthusiasm. While "lukewarm approval" is generally well-received and easily understood, related phrases like "tepid endorsement" or "moderate acceptance" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you wish to convey. It's vital to not confuse it with strong disapproval; rather, think of it as the middle ground between full endorsement and outright rejection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tepid endorsement

Replaces "approval" with "endorsement" and "lukewarm" with "tepid", both suggesting a lack of strong support.

half-hearted endorsement

Uses "half-hearted" instead of "lukewarm", emphasizing the lack of enthusiasm in the endorsement.

moderate acceptance

Shifts from "approval" to "acceptance", indicating a more passive form of agreement, and replaces "lukewarm" with "moderate".

qualified support

Indicates support with reservations or conditions, differing slightly from simple lack of enthusiasm.

restrained assent

Implies agreement given reluctantly or without strong conviction, changing the tone to one of hesitance.

guarded agreement

Suggests agreement with caution or reservations, indicating potential concerns.

unenthusiastic reception

Shifts the focus to the reception of something, rather than the approval itself, and replaces "lukewarm" with "unenthusiastic".

limited enthusiasm

Focuses on the limited amount of enthusiasm rather than directly stating approval.

passive agreement

Implies an agreement that is accepted without action

faint praise

Indicates weak or insincere praise, often implying disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "lukewarm approval" in a sentence?

You can use "lukewarm approval" to describe a situation where something is accepted without much enthusiasm. For example, "The new policy received "lukewarm approval" from the employees."

What can I say instead of "lukewarm approval"?

You can use alternatives like "tepid endorsement", "moderate acceptance", or "qualified support" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lukewarm approval" or "lukewarm disapproval"?

"Lukewarm approval" implies a mild acceptance, while "lukewarm disapproval" is contradictory. The opposite of "lukewarm approval" would be something like "strong disapproval" or "outright rejection".

What's the difference between "lukewarm approval" and "grudging approval"?

"Lukewarm approval" suggests a lack of enthusiasm, while "grudging approval" implies reluctant or unwilling acceptance. The key difference is the reluctance aspect in the latter.