lackluster

especially British, lack·lus·tre

[lak-luhs-ter]

adjective

1. lacking lack brilliance or radiance; dull.

   lackluster eyes.

2. lacking lack liveliness, vitality, spirit, or enthusiasm.

   a lackluster performance.

noun

1. a lack of brilliance or vitality.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lackluster¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; lack + luster ¹

Example Sentences

Eleven of 12 economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had predicted another move lower in October, citing continued economic weakness amid higher U.S. tariffs and lackluster tourism—a key growth driver.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In the minutes, officials agreed that a September rate cut was necessary in light of recent lackluster employment data.

Read more on Barron's

The city reached a financial crisis point this year driven in part by increasing legal payouts, lackluster tax revenues and scheduled raises for city employees.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hamstrung by a budget deficit, lawmakers passed 10 of 14 bills in the reparations package last year, which reform advocates felt were lackluster.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And in a disappointing return to their lackluster second-half form, their offense failed its first test.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• boring 
• flat 
• ho-hum 
• muted 
• uninspired