lacklustre
/'læk,lʌstə/ Cách viết khác : (lacklustre) /'læk,lʌstə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking brightness, shine, or luster: Describes something that is dull, not shiny, or has lost its reflective quality.
- Lacking vitality, brilliance, or excitement: Describes something that is uninspired, mediocre, or fails to be interesting or impressive.
Usage
- The adjective "lacklustre" is used to describe the physical appearance of an object or surface that is not shiny.
- It is more commonly used in a figurative sense to describe performances, events, periods of time, or efforts that are dull, unenthusiastic, or disappointing.
- It is typically used before a noun (attributively) or after a linking verb (predicatively).
Examples
- Physical Appearance:
- The old, unpolished silver had a lacklustre finish.
- After the illness, her hair became dry and lacklustre.
- Figurative Use (Lacking Vitality):
- The team gave a lacklustre performance and lost the match.
- The economic report presented a lacklustre outlook for the next quarter.
- He gave a lacklustre speech that failed to inspire the audience.
Advanced Usage
- "lacklustre" vs. "lusterless": "Lacklustre" (also spelled "lackluster" in American English) is the standard term. "Lusterless" is a less common synonym, primarily used in the physical sense.
- In Formal/Critical Writing: Often used in reviews (theatre, film, book, economic) to denote mediocrity or a failure to meet expectations.
- The film's lacklustre script was not saved by its famous cast.
Variants and Related Words
- Lackluster (adj): The preferred spelling in American English. Identical in meaning to "lacklustre".
- Lusterless (adj): A synonym, though less frequently used, meaning "without luster or shine".
- Lustre/Luster (n): The quality of brightness or shine that something "lacklustre" is missing.
Synonyms
- Dull: Lacking brightness or interest.
- Mediocre: Of only moderate quality; not very good.
- Uninspired: Lacking in imagination or originality.
- Flat: Lacking in interest or excitement.
- Bland: Lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting.
Antonyms
- Brilliant: Exceptionally clever or talented; very bright.
- Sparkling: Shining brightly with flashes of light; vivacious and witty.
- Vibrant: Full of energy and enthusiasm.
- Dynamic: Positive in attitude and full of energy and new ideas.
- Glistening: Shining with a sparkling light.
Idioms and Phrases
- A lacklustre affair: An event that is dull and unexciting.
- The party was a lacklustre affair, with most guests leaving early.
- To deliver/present a lacklustre [noun]: A common collocation for describing subpar efforts or results.
- The company delivered a lacklustre set of annual figures.
Adjective
- lacking luster or shine
- staring with lackluster eyes
- lusterless hair
- lacking brilliance or vitality
- a dull lackluster life
- a lusterless performance