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

The result is a staging of half-hearted opulence, with massive walls that trundle into position, squeezing the crowds or parting to reveal a giant staircase suitable for processions. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025

Making a half-hearted attempt Many startups remain perpetual side projects. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Ledbetter’s struggles with her hotheaded son, as well as her triumphs as an accomplished ballroom dancer outside of work, also get a half-hearted treatment. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Jan. 2025

Trump’s longtime, but perhaps half-hearted, bid to purchase Greenland was rebuffed in his first term. —Ramsey Touchberry, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 26 Dec. 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