uninspiring
gb/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ/ us/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ/
B2
English
unalmas, jellegtelen, nem inspiráló, nem lelkesítő
B2
1
unalmas
A2
jellegtelen
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is uninspiring
The exhibition felt uninspiring, with the same ideas repeated from room to room.
A kiállítás eléggé unalmas volt, ugyanazok az ötletek ismétlődtek teremből teremre.
We ate at a place with an uninspiring menu and average food.
Egy olyan helyen ettünk, ahol az étlap jellegtelen volt, az étel pedig átlagos.
The movie starts well but becomes uninspiring in the middle.
Learner examples
The class was uninspiring.
Az óra unalmas volt.
The hotel room looked uninspiring.
A hotelszoba jellegtelennek tűnt.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with "uninspired" (describing the creator or their ideas) rather than the thing itself.
Meaning
dull; not interesting or exciting
Collocations
an uninspiring performance
|an uninspiring game
|uninspiring food
|an uninspiring menu
|uninspiring scenery
|uninspiring décor
|an uninspiring design
|an uninspiring story
|an uninspiring routine
|an uninspiring result
Synonyms
boring (More common and informal; less evaluative.)
|
dull (Suggests a lack of brightness, energy, or interest.)
|
unexciting (Focuses on lacking excitement rather than creativity.)
|
lackluster (Emphasizes a weak or disappointing quality.)
Antonyms
inspiring (Creates excitement or admiration; makes you feel interested and positive.)
|
engaging (Holds attention and interest.)
|
exciting (Creates strong interest or enthusiasm.)
Themes
daily_life
|arts_media
|opinions
Definition
Not interesting or exciting.
Not interesting, exciting, or original; disappointing in how little it engages attention.
B2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is uninspiring (to [someone])
His talk was clear but ultimately uninspiring, and the team left with no new energy.
Az előadása világos volt, de végső soron nem inspiráló, és a csapat új lendület nélkül távozott.
The company’s uninspiring leadership made it hard to believe real change was coming.
A cég nem inspiráló vezetése miatt nehéz volt elhinni, hogy valódi változás közeleg.
She found the training program uninspiring and stopped attending after two sessions.
Learner examples
The speech was uninspiring.
A beszéd nem volt inspiráló.
He is an uninspiring leader.
Ő nem túl inspiráló vezető.
Common mistake:
Often followed by criticism of impact on others; avoid using it just to mean “tired” or “unhappy.”
Meaning
not motivating; fails to inspire people
Collocations
an uninspiring leader
|an uninspiring manager
|an uninspiring speech
|an uninspiring talk
|an uninspiring coach
|an uninspiring message
|uninspiring leadership
|an uninspiring vision
|an uninspiring campaign
|an uninspiring example
Synonyms
unmotivating (Directly about lack of motivation; less common in everyday style.)
|
discouraging (Suggests it actively lowers confidence or hope.)
|
underwhelming (Emphasizes not meeting expectations rather than motivation.)
Antonyms
motivating (Makes people want to act or try harder.)
|
uplifting (Improves mood and hope; emotionally positive.)
|
inspirational (Especially used for speeches, stories, and messages that inspire.)
Themes
work
|education
|politics
|emotions
Definition
Not making people feel excited or motivated.
Not able to make people feel enthusiastic, confident, or determined; failing to inspire others.
Grammar
Dictionary form
uninspiring
IPA
GB/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ/
US/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
un - in - spir - ing (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (spir)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: uninspiring
Expressions
uninspiring at best
1/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ ˈæt bˈɛst/
fixed phrase
even in the best case, dull
Even the best opinion is that it is boring.
Examples
- The plan is uninspiring at best and risky at worst.
- Their first album was uninspiring at best, with only one memorable track.
- The data is inconclusive and the results are uninspiring at best.
Learner examples
- The show was uninspiring at best.
uninspiring, to say the least
1/ʌnɪnspˈaɪɹɪŋ | tə sˈeɪ ðə lˈist/
fixed phrase
really dull (even more than stated)
It is boring, and that is a polite way to say it.
Examples
- The new logo is uninspiring, to say the least.
- The meeting was uninspiring, to say the least, and nothing got decided.
- His response was uninspiring, to say the least.
Learner examples
- The movie was uninspiring, to say the least.