Underwhelm: meaning, definitions and examples
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underwhelm
[ ˌʌndərˈwɛlm ]
general usage
To underwhelm is to fail to impress or excite someone. It often refers to a situation where expectations are not met, leading to disappointment or a lack of enthusiasm. The term contrasts with 'overwhelm', where something exceeds expectations significantly. It can be used in various settings, such as reviews of movies, products, or events, where the reality does not meet the hype. Essentially, it highlights a lack of emotional or intellectual engagement.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The movie was well advertised but ultimately underwhelmed the audience.
- Critics claimed the new restaurant underwhelmed with its limited menu.
- Despite all the hype, the concert underwhelmed many fans.
Translations
Translations of the word "underwhelm" in other languages:
🇵🇹 decepcionar
🇮🇳 निराश करना
🇩🇪 unterfordern
🇮🇩 kurang mengesankan
🇺🇦 не вразити
🇵🇱 rozczarować
🇯🇵 期待外れにする
🇫🇷 décevoir
🇪🇸 decepcionar
🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğratmak
🇰🇷 실망시키다
🇸🇦 يخيب الأمل
🇨🇿 zklamat
🇸🇰 sklamať
🇨🇳 让人失望
🇸🇮 razočarati
🇮🇸 vondum
🇰🇿 күдік туғызу
🇬🇪 გამოაფხიზლებული
🇦🇿 məyus etmək
🇲🇽 decepcionar
Etymology
The word 'underwhelm' is a relatively modern term that emerged in the late 20th century. It combines the prefix 'under-', meaning insufficiently or not enough, with the verb 'whelm', which has roots in Old English and means to cover or engulf. The usage of 'underwhelm' became popular in contexts that involve entertainment or consumer experiences, particularly when cultural products like films and music did not live up to the promoted standards. While 'whelm' is a less commonly used term meaning to submerge or cover completely, 'underwhelm' captures a specific feeling of anticlimax or unmet expectations that consumers and audiences often experience. This term effectively conveys the sentiment of being let down by something that was supposed to deliver excitement or satisfaction.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,474, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.