Underwhelmed: meaning, definitions and examples
😐
underwhelmed
[ ʌndərˈwɛlmd ]
emotional response
Feeling disappointed by something that did not meet expectations. It is often used when an experience, event, or performance is perceived as lacking in excitement or significance compared to what was anticipated.
Synonyms
disappointed, unimpressed, uninspired.
Examples of usage
- I was underwhelmed by the movie after all the hype.
- The concert left me feeling underwhelmed; I expected more energy.
- She felt underwhelmed by the awards ceremony's lackluster performances.
Translations
Translations of the word "underwhelmed" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desapontado
🇮🇳 निराश
🇩🇪 enttäuscht
🇮🇩 kecewa
🇺🇦 розчарований
🇵🇱 rozczarowany
🇯🇵 失望した
🇫🇷 déçu
🇪🇸 decepcionado
🇹🇷 hayal kırıklığına uğramış
🇰🇷 실망한
🇸🇦 مخيب للآمال
🇨🇿 zklamaný
🇸🇰 sklamaný
🇨🇳 失望的
🇸🇮 razočaran
🇮🇸 vonsvikin
🇰🇿 қанағаттанбаған
🇬🇪 გაღიზიანებული
🇦🇿 məyus
🇲🇽 decepcionado
Etymology
The term 'underwhelmed' combines the prefix 'under-' and the word 'whelm,' which means to submerge or engulf. 'Whelm' has its origins in the Middle English term 'whelmen,' derived from the Old English 'hwelfian,' meaning to turn over or cover. The prefix 'under-' indicates something that is less than or below standard. First popularized in the 20th century, particularly in the context of reviews and discussions around films and performances, 'underwhelmed' captures a sentiment of unmet expectations. It highlights a contrasting feeling to being 'overwhelmed,' where one is usually flooded with strong emotions or significant experiences. This word gained traction alongside the rise of consumer culture, where experiences are marketed heavily, leading to increased public scrutiny of their actual delivery.