lacklustre

/ˈlæklʌstə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlæklʌstər/ (ame, ipa)

lacklustre — adjective

  • lacklustrepositive
  • more lacklustrecomparative
  • most lacklustresuperlative

1. describes something that is done with very little effort or interest, so the res

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes something that is done with very little effort or interest, so the result feels weak, boring or disappointing — for example, a speech that nobody enjoys, a sales report that fails to impress, or a team performance that lacks fighting spirit.

例句

Pablo gave a lacklustre speech, and half the audience fell asleep within five minutes.

adjective before noun: lacklustre + speech / performance

The company's lacklustre sales report caused its share price to drop by twelve percent.

collocation: lacklustre sales / lacklustre results

同義詞
  • half-hearted

    emphasises that the person did not put in enough effort, often because they did not care

  • uninspired

    suggests the work shows no creativity or imagination, not just low effort

  • mediocre

    focuses on the result being only average or below average in quality

反義詞
  • impressive

    describes something that feels strong, exciting, or skilful

  • spirited

    describes an effort that is full of energy and determination

文法句型

lacklustre + noun

be + lacklustre

用法筆記

Usually describes a performance, effort, campaign, sales report, or creative work. Do not use this sense to describe a person directly (e.g. ❌ 'a lacklustre man'). Instead describe what the person does: 'a lacklustre attempt' or 'a lacklustre speech'.

常見錯誤

❌He is a lacklustre student.
✅He gave a lacklustre performance on the exam.
💡lacklustre describes the action or result, not the person themselves.

2. describes hair, skin, eyes or other surfaces that are not bright, shiny or healt

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes hair, skin, eyes or other surfaces that are not bright, shiny or healthy-looking — for example, hair that has lost its natural shine, or a gemstone that looks cloudy rather than sparkling.

例句

After months of illness, Eva's hair had become thin, dry and lacklustre.

adjective after 'become': describing physical appearance

The old wooden dining table had a lacklustre finish that no amount of polish could fix.

collocation: lacklustre finish / lacklustre surface

同義詞
  • dull

    a more common, everyday word for anything that is not bright or shiny

  • lustreless

    a very close synonym but less frequent; same root as lacklustre

  • lifeless

    stronger tone, often used for hair or eyes that seem completely without energy

反義詞
  • shiny

    simple everyday word for surfaces that reflect light well

  • glossy

    describes a smooth, bright surface, often used for healthy hair

  • radiant

    describes a warm, healthy glow — often used for skin and smile

文法句型

lacklustre + noun

look + lacklustre

appear + lacklustre

用法筆記

Common in beauty, fashion and health writing — often paired with words like 'dry', 'thin', 'dull' that describe tired or unhealthy appearance. Can also describe man-made surfaces (e.g. paint, metal, wood) that have lost their original shine.

常見錯誤

❌Her eyes looked lacklustre.' (ambiguous — could mean sad or dull)
✅Her eyes looked tired and lacklustre after a long flight.
💡Adding context makes the physical meaning clear.