Lackluster
/ˈlækˌlʌstər/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Lackluster describes something that does not shine or stand out. It can talk about colors, performances, ideas, or feelings that seem weak, boring, or without energy. It means the thing is not lively or exciting.
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See It in Action
Not bright or shining visually
- •The paint on the walls looked lackluster after many years.
- •Her eyes were lackluster because she was very tired.
- •The diamond was lackluster and did not sparkle.
Not exciting or energetic in performance or quality
- •The team's lackluster effort caused them to lose the game.
- •His lackluster speech failed to inspire the audience.
- •The movie received bad reviews because of its lackluster plot.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lackluster" like "dull" (A2 word), but stronger—it means really no shine or excitement at all
- ✓Picture a light bulb that is on but very dim, barely giving light
- ✓It's the feeling when you watch a movie that makes you yawn because it is not interesting
- ✓Sounds like "lack" + "luster" → imagine something missing (lack) its shine or glow (luster is shine)
- ✓Imagine a rainy day when the sun is hidden and everything looks gray and sad
- ✓NOT like "bright" (full of light and energy), "lackluster" means no brightness or excitement
- ✓NOT like "shiny" (has a strong glow), "lackluster" is flat and lifeless
- ✓NOT like "exciting" (makes you feel happy or interested), "lackluster" is boring and low energy
Try Other Words
- •Boring: not interesting or exciting (Use when talking about feelings or events that fail to hold attention)
- •Dim: not bright or clear (Use when describing light or colors that are weak)
- •Flat: without emotion or energy (Use when describing performances or sounds that feel lifeless)
- •Unimpressive: not making a good impression (Use when something fails to meet expectations)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "lack" (not have) + "luster" (shine, brightness)
- •Etymology: From English words "lack" meaning absence and "luster" meaning shine or glow
- •Historical development: First used in the early 1900s to describe things without shine or excitement
- •Modern usage: Used to describe anything from colors and lights to performances and ideas that seem weak or boring
- •Key insight: The word paints a picture of something missing its natural shine or energy
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be beautiful but still lackluster? How would you explain that?
•Why do you think people use "lackluster" to describe both things and feelings?
Fill in the blanks
1.The team's lackluster performance was caused by ___ preparation and low energy.
2.When the sky is cloudy, the sunlight looks ___ and weak.
3.Her lackluster answer showed she did not ___ much interest in the question.
4.Unlike a bright and exciting show, the play was ___ and failed to engage the audience.
5.The diamond was expected to shine, but its lackluster surface made it look ___.
6.He spoke with a lackluster voice, without ___ or enthusiasm.
7.When a movie is lackluster, people usually feel ___ or bored watching it.