adj
underwhelming
Underwhelming (adj) means not as good, exciting or interesting as you were led to expect.
adj
1
Not as good, exciting or interesting as you were led to expect.
"Davis, plush as ever, is a little whiny and underwhelming as Murray's girlfriend, who spends much of her time nurturing Quaid, doing his familiar sweet-natured lummox."
— Rita Kempley, ‘Quick Change’ (R) (1990)
"When compared with the superb ÖBB Railjet or Italy's Frecciarossa (Red Arrow), to cite just two examples, the Government-procured Intercity Express Trains (IETs) are somewhat underwhelming."
— Ben Jones, RAIL Supplement: Return Ticket (2022)
"But in Washington and just about everywhere else, sales of "The Secret Man," Bob Woodward's story of the source known as Deep Throat, have been underwhelming."
— Edward Wyatt, Sales Lag for Book on Deep Throat (2005)
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Etymology
Facetious play on overwhelm, with under.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for underwhelming
See all rhymes for underwhelming →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of underwhelming?
"underwhelming" (adj) means not as good, exciting or interesting as you were led to expect.
What is another word for underwhelming?
Other words for "underwhelming" include insipid, disappointing, bland.
What is the opposite of underwhelming?
The opposite of "underwhelming" is overwhelming.