unenthusiastic
Britishadjective
Explanation
Whether it's a boring class, an unappealing chore, or a dull event, if you're not looking forward to it and show little interest or happiness toward it, then you're unenthusiastic. The word unenthusiastic describes a lack of excitement or interest. If someone’s unenthusiastic, they’re not really into what’s happening—like when you give a half-hearted cheer at a game because you don’t really care who wins. This word is often used when reactions feel flat or forced, as if the person would rather be doing something more fun. Being unenthusiastic means you’re not feeling the energy or passion, and it’s pretty clear you’re not enjoying whatever’s going on.
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.
Bronx officials appear oddly unenthusiastic about this quarter-billion-dollar neighborhood investment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
The unenthusiastic market response to the trial appears to be related to the high proportion of patients who dropped out of the study after experiencing side effects.
From Barron's ● Dec. 11, 2025
Romanians who have been unenthusiastic about both candidates are unsure whether to be glad they do not have to decide on Sunday, or concerned for the future of Romanian democracy.
From BBC ● Dec. 6, 2024
All Schumer would provide, in an unenthusiastic statement, was that “the Senate will review the legislation when it comes over from the House.”
From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2024
Billy had a framed prayer on his office wall which expressed his method for keeping going, even though he was unenthusiastic about living.
From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
