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Glite Dictionary
lackluster response

lackluster response

1 6.3
A weak, dull reaction showing little interest
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : respuesta apagada
  • After the announcement, the lackluster response of the crowd showed their disinterest in the event.

I mean, this could not be a more lackluster response.

Examples

  • The audience gave a lackluster response to the speaker's uninspiring presentation.

  • I have a question that is distressing me: MOM and the team had the information about W9 for over a month. Even if the strategy was to try to prevent the information, why this lackluster response?

    Blog text (23)

  • According to the front page this morning, crowds in NH are giving BILL a lackluster response.

    Blog text (30)

  • Few of the locally elected, that we're aware of, have criticized Con Edison for its lackluster response.

    Blog text (7)

  • Thank you so much, Justine, for your honesty as you commented on the lackluster responses of your students when you presented the marvels of word derivations.

    Blog text (24)

  • The Obama administration's lackluster response to Iran's internal ferment has thus far been predicated in part on the belief that engagement with the Iranian regime requires the United States to refrain from expressing support for its regime opponents.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Her lackluster response to the exciting news made it clear she wasn't impressed.

Synonyms

bloodless response
vslackluster response
7.3

A reply that shows no feeling, warmth or interest

is dull and uninspiring rather than completely emotionless
lame response
vslackluster response
  • Informal
5.3

A weak answer that does not explain or convince

is dull and uninspiring but focuses on low energy not weak substance

Antonyms

enthusiastic
175 2.7

Very excited and interested in something

How Enthusiastic

acclaim
30 4.2
enthusiasm
288 2.2
response
342 1.3
lackluster response
  • US
1 6.3

Surface Forms

lackluster response singular
lackluster responses plural

Morphology

lackluster + response

The noun phrase is fully compositional: 'lackluster' (dull, uninspired) directly modifies 'response' (reply), so the overall meaning 'a dull or unenthusiastic reply' is transparently derived from the parts. This adjective+noun construction is a standard, cross-linguistically common pattern and would be clear to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Lackluster response comes from the words lack and luster. 'Luster' means shine, so lackluster literally means without shine. Picture a quiet, flat applause with no energy, and that's why a lackluster response means a reaction that is 'dull' or 'not enthusiastic'.