Tepid

Tepid describes something moderately warm, lukewarm, or lacking enthusiasm. It often applies to liquids that are only slightly heated, such as water, tea, or coffee that isn't hot enough, or a person's or group's response that is unenthusiastic. It implies a lack of intense feeling or commitment, falling somewhere between hot and cold, passionate and indifferent. The word can also describe a mild or uninspiring quality. It suggests a sense of mediocrity or blandness in terms of physical temperature or emotional response. The lack of zest makes tepid a word often associated with disappointment when high hopes are present.

Tepid meaning with examples

• The hiker was disappointed to find the bathwater tepid, as she had been looking forward to a steaming soak after her long journey through the snow. Her exhausted state would have benefitted from a higher temperature.
• The audience's reaction to the play was tepid, with only a smattering of applause, the actors could tell that the performance fell short of expectations and felt deflated. They had hoped for a better reception after months of rehearsing.
• After a long day, the cup of tea was tepid, barely offering any warmth or comfort. It was far from the hot drink she was hoping for and it did little to assuage her mood, leaving her unfulfilled.
• The company's marketing campaign received a tepid response from consumers, indicating a lack of excitement and little increase in sales. The campaign, with a lack of pizzazz, failed to create a buzz.
• The politician's speech generated a tepid reaction from the crowd, with many showing minimal engagement, their apathy was obvious. Many remained unmoved and uninterested in the politician's promises.