half-hearted

adjective

half-heart·​ed ˈhaf-ˈhär-təd How to pronounce half-hearted (audio)
ˈhäf-
variants or halfhearted
: lacking heart, spirit, or interest
a half-hearted effort
halfhearted applause
half-heartedly adverb
or halfheartedly
half-heartedness noun
or halfheartedness

Examples of half-hearted in a Sentence

a halfhearted attempt to clean the house before the arrival of the in-laws
Recent Examples on the Web Bowles also criticized investigators for a half-hearted investigation into the source of the bullets during the Gutierrez Reed trial. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 11 July 2024 This kind of security dilemma would become more likely with a larger NATO presence in the region—and the alliance’s half-hearted military engagement and its less-than-perfect security assurances would offer scant protection for its Indo-Pacific partners. Mathieu Droin, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2024 The team’s half-hearted pressing and its overly cautious approach have been the primary sources of frustrations for England fans, but Southgate’s side had the chance to be more free-spirited against Slovenia given results on Monday ensured the Three Lions a place in the last 16. Matias Grez, CNN, 25 June 2024 Youngkin’s seemingly half-hearted efforts to get the attention of the former president could be further evidence that the governor was never interested in the role as Trump’s vice president, after all. Elizabeth Beyer, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for half-hearted 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'half-hearted.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of half-hearted was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near half-hearted

Cite this Entry

“Half-hearted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-hearted. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

halfhearted

adjective
half·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd How to pronounce halfhearted (audio)
: lacking spirit or interest
halfhearted applause from the audience
halfheartedly adverb
halfheartedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on half-hearted

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