tepid response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tepid response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lackluster or indifferent reaction to something, such as feedback or a proposal. Example: "The audience's tepid response to the presentation indicated that the topic did not resonate with them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Washington's tepid response is embarrassing.

The New York Times

That idea drew a tepid response.

The New York Times

The latest version had a tepid response.

The New York Times - Tech

This is an extremely tepid response.

The Washington Post

Thursday's announcement drew a tepid response from analysts and investors.

The New York Times

Naturally, they were disappointed in the tepid response.

Harvard Business Review

Complicating things now is the tepid response of donors.

The New York Times

The new songs she's written meet with a tepid response.

The New Yorker

But in Williamsburg, the news elicited a tepid response.

The New York Times

"Who loves freedom more than hip-hop?" she continued, prompting a slightly more tepid response.

The New York Times

For now, the tepid response has empowered Mr. Morales to continue his broadsides, experts said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tepid response" when you want to convey a sense of mildness or lack of enthusiasm, rather than outright negativity or strong opposition. It's ideal for situations where the reaction is more apathetic than hostile.

Common error

Avoid using "tepid response" when the reaction is strongly negative. "Tepid" implies a lack of enthusiasm, not necessarily active disapproval. If the reaction is clearly unfavorable, use terms like "hostile reaction" or "strong disapproval" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tepid response" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the quality of a reaction to something, indicating that the reaction was unenthusiastic or mild. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tepid response" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a mild or unenthusiastic reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news reporting and formal communication. While alternatives like "lukewarm reaction" exist, "tepid response" effectively communicates a lack of strong emotion or excitement. Remember to use it when the reaction is more apathetic than actively negative, and to consider the context when choosing between similar phrases. It appears frequently across authoritative news sources, indicating its widespread acceptance and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lukewarm reaction

Emphasizes the lack of warmth or enthusiasm in the reaction.

unenthusiastic response

Directly states the absence of enthusiasm.

feeble reaction

Highlights the weakness or ineffectiveness of the response.

subdued response

Focuses on the quiet or restrained nature of the response.

muted reaction

Suggests the response was deliberately softened or suppressed.

lackluster response

Emphasizes the dull or uninspiring quality of the response.

half-hearted response

Highlights the lack of commitment or effort in the response.

apathetic reaction

Indicates a lack of interest or concern in the reaction.

indifferent response

Stresses the lack of feeling or opinion in the reaction.

underwhelming reaction

Focuses on the failure of the response to impress or excite.

FAQs

How can I use "tepid response" in a sentence?

You can use "tepid response" to describe a mild or unenthusiastic reaction to something. For example, "The proposal received a "tepid response" from the board members."

What are some alternatives to "tepid response"?

Alternatives include "lukewarm reaction", "unenthusiastic response", or "feeble reaction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "tepid response" or "weak response"?

Both "tepid response" and "weak response" are valid, but they have slightly different connotations. "Tepid" suggests a lack of enthusiasm, while "weak" suggests a lack of force or effectiveness. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What does "tepid response" imply about the subject receiving the response?

A "tepid response" suggests that the subject did not evoke strong feelings or opinions, either positive or negative. It indicates a lack of interest or excitement, which can be discouraging for the person or entity that presented the subject.