lukewarm

American  

[look-wawrm] / ˈlukˈwɔrm /

adjective

1. moderately warm; tepid.

2. having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent.

   lukewarm applause.

   Synonyms:

   apathetic, cool, halfhearted

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lukewarm British  

/ ˌluːkˈwɔːm /

adjective

1. (esp of water) moderately warm; tepid

2. having or expressing little enthusiasm or conviction

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Other Word Forms

• lukewarmly adverb
• lukewarmness noun
• lukewarmth noun

Etymology

Origin of lukewarm

1350–1400; Middle English lukewarme tepid, equivalent to luke tepid (unexplained alteration of lew, Old English gehlēow tepid) + warme warm

Explanation

Something lukewarm is just a teeny bit warm. Lukewarm feelings are also not very strong. Lukewarm is a word for things that are warm, but only barely. A forgotten cup of hot coffee will get lukewarm before it eventually gets cold. It's disappointing when food at a restaurant is served lukewarm; most people like their food hot. Also, people can have lukewarm feelings and reactions. If someone asks you out to lunch and you say, "Well, I guess that would be OK," that's a lukewarm response.

Example Sentences

But lukewarm turned out to be L.A.’s high point.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

I asked for an ice cube for my lukewarm California Sauvignon Blanc at one point.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The most significant part of the meeting, noted Dario Perkins of TS Lombard, was Powell’s lukewarm support for the look-through approach, a hawkish turn from how the committee had been treating tariffs.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Few things are more disappointing than a dish that was clearly meant to be served warm but arrives in a vague state of lukewarm uncertainty.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

I smile back and gulp the lukewarm water eagerly.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• apathetic
• chilly
• halfhearted
• hesitant
• indecisive
• tepid
• uncertain
• uncommitted