unenthusiastic

adjective

un·​en·​thu·​si·​as·​tic ˌən-in-ˌthü-zē-ˈa-stik 

-en-,

 also  -ˌthyü-

: having or showing a lack of excitement or enthusiasm : not enthusiastic

an unenthusiastic response

an unenthusiastic crowd

unenthusiastically

ˌən-in-ˌthü-zē-ˈa-sti-k(ə-)lē 

-en-

 also  -ˌthyü-

adverb

a suggestion that was greeted unenthusiastically

Synonyms

• halfhearted
• lukewarm
• tepid
• uneager

Examples of unenthusiastic in a Sentence

my suggestion that we go to see the new action flick was greeted with an unenthusiastic shrug

Recent Examples on the Web

Higher borrowing costs and demand slowed by inflation led to an unenthusiastic future guidance. —Jj Kinahan, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

At best, celebrity endorsements might convince some otherwise unenthusiastic people at the margins to turn out and vote. —Constance Grady, Vox, 12 Sep. 2024

Americans are unenthusiastic about promoting democracy overseas but willing to partner with allies to defend U.S. institutions from foreign meddling. —Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 6 Oct. 2020

Before Biden’s withdrawal, many Democrats worried about the down ballot impacts of an unenthusiastic party base, particularly among young voters. —Calmatters, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above