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.

---

Etymology

Origin of watered-down

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

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

The comments came before a meeting of EU environment ministers in Cyprus this week to review last November's UN climate summit, which ended with a watered-down pact that omitted EU demands over fossil fuels.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

European Union environment ministers agreed to a watered-down version of the bloc’s 2040 climate goals on Wednesday, bringing the EU one step closer to setting new—if weaker—targets for lowering carbon emissions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

Although many of the rebels backed down once the government made major concessions, Leishman remained in steadfast opposition to the watered-down bill and voted against it.

From BBC • Jul. 16, 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