lip service

noun

: an avowal of advocacy, adherence, or allegiance expressed in words but not backed by deeds

—usually used with pay

Examples of lip service in a Sentence

She paid lip service to blue-collar workers, but she did nothing to help them.

So far all we've gotten from him is lip service.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many brands offer lip service to the ingredient, especially on purity and sourcing. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026

While political candidates all over the country have paid lip service to issues of affordability, here in Florida, the question of how to make life more affordable is literally on the ballot. — Marissa J. Lang, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Before the attack, some major Jewish parties would still pay lip service to the notion of making peace with the Palestinians, and their politicians expressed tentative openness to a settlement. — Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026

This advent calendar is selling fast, especially with the current 15 percent discount — and that’s no lip service. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lip service

• disservice
• preservice
• interservice
• nervous
• nervus