Synonyms

halfhearted

American

[haf-hahr-tid, hahf-] / ˈhæfˈhɑr tɪd, ˈhɑf- /

adjective

having or showing little enthusiasm.

a halfhearted attempt to work.

Synonyms:

perfunctory, cool, cold, uninterested, indifferent

Antonyms:

enthusiastic

Other Word Forms

halfheartedly adverb
halfheartedness noun

Etymology

Origin of halfhearted

First recorded in 1605–15; half + heart + -ed ³

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.

Her husband’s halfhearted clapping echoed in the otherwise silent room; after a moment he stopped and sat on his hands in shame.

From Literature

“Would anyone like to be quizzed on Latin verbs?” she asked halfheartedly.

From Literature

Let your relative choose the latest halfhearted Hallmark movie clone?

From Salon

But the filmmakers only halfheartedly commit to exploring these emotions, reducing her feelings to a plot twist inserted to supply a bit of conflict.

From Los Angeles Times

A few brief, halfhearted laughs gave way to stale air, where the jest hung heavily as the group took mental stock of my presence.

From Salon

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