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

• neutral
• tepid
• halfhearted
• lukewarm

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

Rebirth held much better than anticipated last weekend and is already north of $540 million worldwide, despite those weak audience B grades and unenthusiastic critical reception. —Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

That first orgasm, a brittle, unenthusiastic moan rippling as the A24 logo fills the screen, isn’t so much experienced as performed. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

Even an unenthusiastic attempt at mediation proved remarkably effective. —Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025

As for the federal proposal before the Senate, the remittance industry is unenthusiastic, and several trade associations have issued letters and statements asking lawmakers to remove it. —Nana Ama Sarfo, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1805, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unenthusiastic

• antineoplastic
• myelodysplastic
• paraneoplastic
• aeroelastic
• ecclesiastic
• elastoplastic
• enthusiastic
• iconoclastic
• interscholastic
• megaloblastic
• osteoblastic
• photoelastic