lackluster
gb/lˈæklˌʌstɚ/ us/lˈæklˌʌstɚ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
Not impressive or exciting
Not very good, not interesting, or not exciting.
Usage pattern:
[a lackluster + noun]
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as *lack luster* (two words) or confused with *lack of* + noun; it is usually an adjective before a noun.
Synonyms
mediocre (Emphasizes average or only acceptable quality.)
|
uninspired (Emphasizes a lack of creativity or imagination.)
|
underwhelming (Emphasizes that it disappoints expectations.)
|
dull (Emphasizes boring or uninteresting.)
Antonyms
impressive (Clearly good and admired.)
|
exciting (Creates strong interest or enthusiasm.)
|
outstanding (Exceptionally good.)
Collocations
lackluster performance
|lackluster results
|lackluster response
|lackluster sales
|lackluster showing
|lackluster campaign
|lackluster season
|lackluster effort
|lackluster reception
|lackluster presentation
Themes
evaluation
|work
|business
|arts
|sports
Examples
- The team gave a lackluster performance and lost by ten points.
- Despite the hype, the movie’s plot was lackluster and predictable.
- Voter turnout was lackluster compared with previous elections.
Learner examples
- The show was lackluster.
- She gave a lackluster presentation.
adjective
C1
property
2
Not shiny; lacking brightness
Not shiny; not bright.
Usage pattern:
[a lackluster + surface/material/finish]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse this literal sense; in everyday English it more often means “not impressive.”
Synonyms
dull (Common and general for ‘not shiny’.)
|
matte (More technical; specifically ‘not glossy’ as a finish.)
|
lacklustre (British spelling; same meaning.)
Antonyms
shiny (Reflects light strongly; has shine.)
|
lustrous (Has an attractive shine or glow.)
|
glossy (Shiny and smooth, especially of surfaces.)
Collocations
lackluster finish
|lackluster shine
|lackluster surface
|lackluster paint
|lackluster glow
|lackluster hair
|lackluster skin
|lackluster metal
|lackluster polish
|lackluster pearls
Themes
appearance
|materials
|fashion
Examples
- The silver looked lackluster after years without polishing.
- Under the harsh lighting, the paint appeared flat and lackluster.
- Winter air can leave your hair dry and lackluster.
Learner examples
- The metal looks lackluster.
- My hair feels lackluster today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lackluster
IPA
GB/lˈæklˌʌstɚ/
US/lˈæklˌʌstɚ/
Syllables & stress
lackluster (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (lackluster)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: lackluster
Word family
Core family
lack
noun A2
Related words
luster
noun
lustrous
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
lusterless
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.