Skip to main content
watered-down

watered-down

16 4.6
Something that is less strong or useful because people change it to avoid problems
  • adjective
  • /ˈwɔːtərd daʊn/
  • Informal
translation icon : diluido
  • Without these skills, too many people can succumb to watered-down or completely false information.
  • a watered-down version

They just took Plato and they got his thoughts through these, you know, watered down glosses on him.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • The bill you are speaking of was a watered-down version of the original one proposed.

    Blog text (14)
  • The company released a watered-down version of the original product to appeal to a broader audience.

  • What they offer is access to a watered down program.

  • Courses in social studies have generally been watered-down counterparts of college courses.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Thankfully, this is a watered-down version of the stance some religions take.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Other efforts to limit vehicular pollution were either slowed or watered down to the point of being ineffective.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Typically, many of the high-style Craftsman earmarks are watered down or missing entirely.

    Academic text (1998)
  • As Bestor saw it, the original principles and practices of Deweyan progressivism had been watered down.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Many people believe that the new regulations are just watered-down measures that won’t bring real change.

  • Critics argue that the new proposal is a watered-down attempt to address climate change without any significant impact.

Synonyms

diluted
vswatered-down
1 3.4

Made less strong by mixing with water or something else

is used for statements, policies, or products reduced in force rather than literal liquids
weakened
vswatered-down
3.1

Less strong because water or another liquid is added

is used for ideas or products reduced in effect rather than literal liquids
diminished
vswatered-down
  • Specialized
4.4

Smaller in size, strength or importance

refers to reduction by dilution or toning down rather than any general decrease

Antonyms

1 3.7

Having more value or better quality

Has extra support to make it stronger

How Strong

forceful
62 4.3
strong
1.0
moderate
415 3.3
watered-down
  • Informal
16 4.6
bland
31 2.8

Surface Forms

watered-down positive

Morphology

watered-down = water down (transparent) = down + water + ed

Formed from the phrasal verb 'water down' plus '-ed' to create an adjectival meaning 'made weaker', which is directly inferable from the base.

Etymology

Watered-down comes from the simple idea of adding water to a strong drink, paint, or idea to make it weaker, with down showing a reduction. So a watered-down statement or policy is one that has been made 'less strong' or 'less effective'.