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

Shares have shot up since 2022, after years of lackluster performance.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Canadian officials said this week that increasing business investment is near the top of policy priorities, after years of lackluster spending on machinery, equipment and software.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

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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

Related Words

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