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Apathy and Indifference

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Energy and Vitality

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Dull and Uninteresting

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lacklustre

Lacklustre (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

adjective

IPA:

/ˈlakˌlʌstə/

What does lacklustre mean?

Lacking energy, brightness, or enthusiasm, often resulting in a dull and uninspiring quality.
"The lacklustre performance by the band disappointed their fans."

Detailed Meaning of Lacklustre

When we characterize something as lackluster, we are emphasizing its unimpressive or uninteresting nature, suggesting that it falls short of expectations or fails to engage the senses. Lackluster performances, for example, may lack the vivacity or spark that captivates an audience, leaving them feeling underwhelmed. Similarly, a lackluster presentation or appearance may lack the polish or vibrancy that typically makes something stand out. This term conveys a sense of flatness and a failure to shine or evoke excitement, making it synonymous with mediocrity or a general lack of appeal. Whether referring to experiences, efforts, or appearances, "lackluster" implies a deficiency in the qualities that make something captivating or memorable.

Example Sentences for Lacklustre

1. The party was a lacklustre affair, with few guests and little enthusiasm.
2. The movie received lacklustre reviews and failed to perform well at the box office.
3. The presentation was lacklustre and failed to impress the audience.
4. The party's lacklustre manifesto failed to inspire the electorate.
5. The company's lacklustre earnings report caused their stock price to drop.
6. The athlete's lacklustre performance in the competition was unexpected.

Origin and Etymology of Lacklustre

The adjective 'lackluster' has its etymological origins in the combination of two words: 'lack' and 'lustre' (or 'luster' in American English). 'Lack' is a word that signifies the absence or deficiency of something, while 'lustre' refers to brightness, shine, or sheen. When merged, 'lackluster' essentially means the absence of brightness or shine. It is used to describe something that lacks energy, enthusiasm, or vitality, resulting in a dull and uninspiring quality, much like an object or surface that doesn't reflect light and appears flat. Therefore, the etymology of 'lackluster' emphasizes its connotation of something lacking the vibrant qualities that typically capture attention or interest.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adjective lacklustre:

vibrant

dynamic

dull

exciting

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Lacklustre

1. The food at the restaurant was lacklustre, and the service was slow.
2. The school's lacklustre curriculum failed to engage the students.
3. The museum's lacklustre exhibits failed to draw in visitors.
4. The book received lacklustre sales and failed to make a significant impact.
5. The fashion show was lacklustre, with uninspired designs and lack of creativity.
6. The season finale of the TV show was lacklustre, with a predictable storyline and lack of excitement.
7. The party's lacklustre atmosphere left guests bored and disinterested.
8. Her lacklustre performance on stage disappointed the audience.
9. The movie received lacklustre reviews due to its uninspired plot.
10. The company's sales figures were lacklustre, indicating slow growth.
11. The rainy weather created a lacklustre mood for the outdoor event.
12. His lacklustre response to the challenge showed a lack of enthusiasm.
13. The restaurant's lacklustre menu failed to excite diners.
14. The presentation's lacklustre visuals made it hard to stay engaged.
15. The athlete's lacklustre performance surprised fans who expected more.
16. The fashion show's lacklustre designs failed to make a statement.
17. The team's lacklustre effort led to a disappointing loss.
18. Her lacklustre writing style failed to capture the reader's attention.
19. The artwork's lacklustre colors made it less appealing.
20. The party decorations were uninspired, resulting in a lacklustre ambiance.
21. The singer's lacklustre voice didn't do justice to the song's beauty.
22. The teacher's lacklustre teaching style made the class uninteresting.
23. The town's lacklustre economy struggled to attract new businesses.
24. The campaign's lacklustre slogans failed to resonate with voters.
25. The concert's lacklustre turnout disappointed the organizers.
26. The website's lacklustre user interface made navigation frustrating.