Synonyms

lackluster

American

[lak-luhs-ter] / ˈlækˌlʌs tər /

especially British, lacklustre

adjective

lacking lack brilliance or radiance; dull.

lackluster eyes.
lacking lack liveliness, vitality, spirit, or enthusiasm.

a lackluster performance.

noun

a lack of brilliance or vitality.

Etymology

Origin of lackluster

First recorded in 1590–1600; lack + luster ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tanking used to be the territory of general managers who assembled lackluster rosters, not of coaches who sat healthy players in the crunch time of games.

From The Wall Street Journal

In spring 2019, lackluster farming economics turned around as flooding prevented many farmers from planting crops.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both were criticized for proving to be lackluster contests, but drew enormous global attention.

From Barron's

California’s problems go beyond taxes and a lackluster economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

On the surface, markets have had a lackluster start to the year.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023