half-hearted

adjective

half-heart·​ed ˈhaf-ˈhär-təd 

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

Synonyms

• lukewarm
• tepid
• uneager
• unenthusiastic

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

Consumers are more discerning than ever and can easily see through half-hearted or ingenuine statements. —Jennifer Acree, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

Tim Burton before all those half-hearted Disney remakes. —Constance Grady, Vox, 6 Sep. 2024

Instead, Tales is rendered in cleaner, simpler lines that dovetail with the show’s half-hearted framing device: These adventures are presented as a comic book scribbled by Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), the katana-wielding leader of the gang. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Aug. 2024

Youngkin had made half-hearted overtures to the former president on social media and in cable news segments. —Elizabeth Beyer, USA TODAY, 15 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

halfhearted

adjective

half·​heart·​ed -ˈhärt-əd 

: lacking spirit or interest

halfhearted applause from the audience

halfheartedly adverb

halfheartedness noun