lukewarm

[look-wawrm]

adjective

1. moderately warm; tepid.

2. having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

   lukewarm applause.

   Synonyms: apathetic, cool, halfhearted

lukewarm

/ ˌluːkˈwɔːm /

adjective

1. (esp of water) moderately warm; tepid

2. having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

Other Word Forms

• lukewarmly adverb
• lukewarmness noun
• lukewarmth noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

1350–1400; Middle English lukewarme tepid, equivalent to luke tepid (unexplained alteration of lew, Old English gehlēow tepid) + warme warm

Word History and Origins

Origin of lukewarm¹

C14 luke probably from Old English hlēow warm; compare German lauwarm

Example Sentences

She alluded to it in a social media post , externalcelebrating her world player of the year award win, finishing her message with "lukewarm is no good".

From BBC

The reaction was lukewarm at best and Hogan made sporadic appearances until losing the title to Yokozuna that summer.

From Los Angeles Times

The Club World Cup may have had a lukewarm reception in some parts during the group stages, but Manchester City did their best to kindle interest with a statement victory over Juventus on Thursday.

From BBC

According to Mr Stead, Leeds lost out because although Metro backed the plan Leeds City Council were lukewarm.

From BBC

Lively, on the other hand, is still struggling under the reputational damage of the "It Ends With Us" fiasco, while her "Another Simple Favor" film has earned only a lukewarm response.

From Salon

Related Words

• apathetic 
• chilly 
• halfhearted 
• hesitant 
• indecisive 
• tepid 
• uncertain 
• uncommitted