Words / C1

LAKL-ust-uh/ˈlæklʌstə/

Lacklustre (US lackluster) means dull and unimpressive: a lacklustre performance, lacklustre growth. Dull and weak are everyday; lustre is shine — the word you are lacking. Do not call a quiet, complete methods paragraph lacklustre as if noise were quality.

Meaning

Not exciting or impressive; dull (British spelling).

Examples

• “A lacklustre methods paragraph sank the rest of the paper.”
• “Dull is everyday. Lustre is shine (British spelling). Lacklustre is the adjective. A calm, replicable write-up can look “quiet” and still be excellent.”

Good to know

Dull; without sparkle. Everyday: dull. British spelling: lacklustre. Noun in the word: lustre (shine). Quiet and complete is not lacklustre.

Near in meaning

dull

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