Definitions

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • adjective Less interesting than expected; dull.
  • adjective Smaller than expected or hoped.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective Failing to interest; usually used in response to something that was presented as exciting.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • Bossier City and Shreveport turned out in underwhelming numbers last night - maybe 30 or 40 people in front of Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk, and those were probably shoppers passing by.

    Your Right Hand Thief 2008

  • The top-notch board proposals are likely to bolster Actelion's attempt to win over shareholder support ahead of its annual general meeting next month to back its go-alone strategy as some investors are skeptical about the quality of Elliott Advisors' board nominees, which some analysts have described as "underwhelming."

    Actelion Makes Board Move Goran Mijuk 2011

  • That night, Huntsman called his underwhelming performance a "ticket to ride," but it was clear he wouldn't do well in South Carolina, where he polled in dead last, even behind Stephen Colbert, who isn't on the ballot or running for president

    ABC News: Top Stories 2012

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    London Free Press 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    London Free Press 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    Winnipeg Sun 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    Toronto Sun 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    Toronto Sun 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    Ottawa Sun 2010

  • Ales Kotalik, whose time in Calgary since coming to the team in the Feb. 1 trade could be best described as underwhelming, scored before the three-minute mark.

    Ottawa Sun 2010

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