underwhelm
verb (used with object)
to fail to interest or astonish.
had been underwhelming
-
past perfect progressiveof underwhelm.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Republicans acknowledged that the night had been underwhelming.
From New York Times ● Nov. 9, 2022
In Weeks 5 and 6, Oliver carried the ball 45 times for 215 yards and two touchdowns, breathing life into a Chargers running game that had been underwhelming.
From New York Times ● Oct. 17, 2014
They bred their new mare to 10-year-old California stallion Lucky Pulpit, who had been underwhelming in his second career.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 6, 2014
The Jaguars' Justin Blackmon was the first receiver selected in the N.F.L. draft, but his rookie season had been underwhelming: in his first nine games, he gained 250 yards and 1 touchdown.
From New York Times ● Nov. 20, 2012
So far, our discoveries had been underwhelming, which was how I liked them.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
