lacklustre
gb/lˈæklˈʌstɹi/ us/lˈæklˈʌstɹi/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
C1
property
1
not impressive or exciting
not very good or exciting
Usage pattern:
a lacklustre [performance/season/campaign/showing/result]
Common mistake:
In American English the usual spelling is lackluster.
Synonyms
underwhelming (suggests it fails to meet expectations.)
|
mediocre (emphasizes average quality rather than excitement.)
|
uninspiring (focuses on not motivating interest or enthusiasm.)
|
dull (more general and can sound blunter.)
Antonyms
impressive (makes a strong positive effect.)
|
exciting (creates interest and energy.)
|
outstanding (far better than average.)
Collocations
lacklustre performance
|lacklustre results
|lacklustre season
|lacklustre campaign
|lacklustre showing
|lacklustre presentation
|lacklustre speech
|lacklustre sales
|lacklustre reception
|lacklustre start
Themes
daily_life
|work
|education
|entertainment
Examples
- The team’s lacklustre performance drew boos from the crowd.
- Reviews said the film had a strong cast but a lacklustre script.
- After a lacklustre start, the company changed strategy and recovered.
Learner examples
- The show was lacklustre.
- Sales were lacklustre this month.
adjective
C1
property
2
showing little enthusiasm
not energetic or enthusiastic
Usage pattern:
a lacklustre [effort/response/reaction/attitude]
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean simply “tired” unless the context is about low enthusiasm or effort.
Synonyms
half-hearted (emphasizes a lack of commitment.)
|
unenthusiastic (directly states missing enthusiasm.)
|
listless (suggests low energy and little interest.)
Antonyms
enthusiastic (shows strong interest and eagerness.)
|
energetic (shows high energy and drive.)
|
eager (shows readiness and interest to act.)
Collocations
lacklustre effort
|lacklustre response
|lacklustre reaction
|lacklustre enthusiasm
|lacklustre attitude
|lacklustre interest
|lacklustre participation
|lacklustre support
Themes
emotions
|work
|social
Examples
- He gave a lacklustre response when asked if he wanted the promotion.
- The audience was polite but lacklustre during the Q&A.
- Her lacklustre effort suggested she wasn’t taking the project seriously.
Learner examples
- His reaction was lacklustre.
- She sounded lacklustre in the interview.
adjective
C1
property
3
not shiny; dull-looking
not bright or shiny
Usage pattern:
lacklustre [hair/skin/paint/metal/finish]
Common mistake:
This sense is about physical shine; the more common everyday use is about quality or excitement.
Synonyms
dull (general word for not bright or shiny.)
|
matte (often describes an intentionally non-shiny finish.)
|
tarnished (suggests the shine has been lost over time, especially on metal.)
Antonyms
shiny (reflects light strongly.)
|
lustrous (more formal; suggests rich, attractive shine.)
|
gleaming (emphasizes a bright, noticeable shine.)
Collocations
lacklustre hair
|lacklustre skin
|lacklustre finish
|lacklustre paint
|lacklustre sheen
|lacklustre surface
|lacklustre metal
Themes
appearance
|materials
Examples
- The silver looked lacklustre after years in the drawer.
- A conditioner can help revive lacklustre hair.
- The new paint dried to a lacklustre finish.
Learner examples
- My hair looks lacklustre today.
Grammar
Dictionary form
lacklustre
IPA
GB/lˈæklˈʌstɹi/
US/lˈæklˈʌstɹi/
Syllables & stress
lacklustre (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (lacklustre)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: lacklustre
Word family
Core family
lack
verb A2
Related words
lustre
noun B2
lackluster
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
lustreless
adjective
Advanced or less common
lustrous
adjective
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.