How Do You Spell LACKLUSTER?

Pronunciation: [lˈaklʌstə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "lackluster" may not be intuitive, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced like "lack," with an "æ" sound. The second syllable begins with a "kl" blend, followed by the "ʌ" vowel sound, represented in IPA as /ʌ/. The final syllable is pronounced like "ster," with an /ər/ sound. So, despite its tricky spelling, the pronunciation of "lackluster" is straightforward once you break it down phonetically.

LACKLUSTER Meaning and Definition

1. Lackluster, as an adjective, refers to something that lacks brightness, vitality, or enthusiasm. It describes a situation or a person that is dull, uninspiring, or lacking in energy or excitement. The term is commonly used to convey disappointment or mediocrity in performance, appearance, or quality.

   When applied to objects or experiences, lackluster implies a dull or drab appearance, lacking shine, gloss, or vibrancy. It can refer to a lack of color, brilliance, or luminosity, making something appear unremarkable or lacking in sparkle. For example, a lackluster painting may be characterized by muted tones, a subpar polish or finish, and an overall lack of visual interest.

   When used to describe a person, lackluster indicates a notable absence of enthusiasm, verve, or passion. It suggests a lack of energy or engagement, resulting in a lack of accomplishment or impact. For instance, a lackluster performance might be marked by a lack of charisma, a monotone delivery, or a failure to captivate the audience.

   Overall, lackluster is a term that denotes disappointment, averageness, or a lack of brilliance or vigor in various aspects of life. Its linguistic representation helps to effectively communicate the absence of an outstanding quality, providing a clear understanding of mediocrity or diminished impact.

Top Common Misspellings for LACKLUSTER *

• lackuster 4.0816326%
• lacklust 4.0816326%
• lacklusture 4.0816326%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for LACKLUSTER

• luckluster
• kackluster
• packluster
• oackluster
• lzckluster
• lsckluster
• lwckluster
• lacklusterr
• lacklustur
• lacklusterly
• lacklusterre

Etymology of LACKLUSTER

The word "lackluster" has an etymology that can be traced back to the combination of two Old English words: "lacan" (meaning "to play or deceive") and "lustren" (meaning "to shine"). In Old English, "lacan" was often used to describe the actions of someone who was tricking or deceiving others in a playful manner. Over time, the term "lacanlustren" was created, meaning "to deceive or disappoint by not shining brightly". Eventually, this term was shortened to "lac-lustre" and then evolved into "lackluster" by the 16th century. The term has come to represent something lacking brightness, enthusiasm, or brilliance, thus reflecting its current usage.

Similar spelling word for LACKLUSTER

• lacklustre.