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.

But this was halfhearted on Washington's part and ultimately proved unsuccessful.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The result is a halfhearted “Sell America” trade that reflects a desire to hedge U.S. exposure rather than eliminate it.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

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 • Sep. 11, 2024

The governor’s press office posted a notice suggesting that Musk’s departures from California were only halfhearted.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

Mary Lou clapped; it was followed by halfhearted applause by the others.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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