watered-down

American  

[waw-terd-doun, wot-erd-] / ˈwɔ tərdˈdaʊn, ˈwɒt ərd- /

adjective

1. made weaker or less effective from or as from dilution with water.

   a watered-down cocktail; Spectators saw a watered-down version of the famous opera.

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Etymology

Origin of watered-down

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Despite the watered-down draft, the resolution is unlikely to be adopted by the consensus seen in 2024, according to diplomatic sources, who expect at least one state to call for a vote on the matter.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

A watered-down definition, meanwhile, could end up allowing certain ultraprocessed foods to fly under the radar, especially if food companies find a way to get around whatever UPF definition or label is proposed.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

There’s a bit of “Jaws” in “Beast of War,” which is also evocative of Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat” while being something of a watered-down version of both.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

"For too long, Indian food in the US has lived under the veil of a manufactured, watered-down north-western lens. With Semma, we set out to pull back that curtain and share something more honest."

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

Hazel was easily fifty, if not older, and a more regular part of the Deuce than the cheap beer and watered-down metal bands that toured through.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss