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unmuscular

unmuscular

6.6
Having weak, slow style and little energy
  • adjective
  • /ʌnˈmʌskjələr/
  • Literature
translation icon : débil
  • The novel's plot was surprisingly unmuscular, lacking the excitement readers expected from the author.

Examples

  • Her argument was too unmuscular to persuade the audience during the debate.

  • The film's action scenes felt unmuscular and uninspired.

  • Critics described the performance as unmuscular, saying it failed to deliver the needed energy.

  • His performance was quite unmuscular and lacked enthusiasm.

  • The critics found the speech unmuscular, as it lacked the passion and vigor needed to captivate the audience.

  • Many felt that the report was unmuscular because it did not convey a strong enough argument for the proposed changes.

  • Her manner of presenting the ideas was too unmuscular, failing to engage the listeners effectively.

Synonyms

unforceful
vsunmuscular
5.9

Weak and not strong enough to change people's minds

is weaker in style and vigor rather than literal force
unmuscled
vsunmuscular
6.4

Not having power or influence to make changes

is about weak manner and low intensity rather than lacking authority
unenergetic
vsunmuscular
4.0

Feeling too tired to be active or interested

is low in stylistic force rather than only lacking activity
unstirring
vsunmuscular
7.2

Not causing strong feelings or interest

is about low expressive force rather than merely unexciting content

Antonyms

573 3.7

A very strong feeling or quality you feel deeply

87 4.1

Having a lot of strength and energy

Compounds

A body with little muscle that looks thin or soft

How Forceful

powerful
1.7
forceful
62 4.3
unmuscular
  • Literature
6.6
flat
297 4.4

Surface Forms

unmuscular positive

Morphology

unmuscular = muscular (semi-transparent) = un + muscular

The figurative sense 'lacking force or vigor' is a metaphorical extension of 'muscular' meaning 'forceful', so it is partially predictable but not fully literal.

Etymology

Unmuscular uses the same idea of muscle as 'strength' or force in style or action, so if a book, speech, or performance is unmuscular it feels weak and low on energy. So unmuscular can mean 'not powerful or forceful' in a figurative way.