Definition

To fail to impress or excite someone; to leave someone feeling unimpressed or disappointed.

Example

The movie was supposed to be thrilling, but it ended up underwhelming the audience.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I went to that new restaurant everyone is talking about, but honestly, it really underwhelmed me.

Really? I heard it's supposed to be amazing!

Yeah, the food was just okay, and the service was slow.

That's disappointing to hear; I was excited to try it myself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underwhelm → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "whelm" (from Old English *hwelfan*, meaning to overturn or cover). The word describes the act of failing to impress or excite, as if something is beneath expectations or not overwhelming.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'below' ('under-') your expectations and does not 'overturn' or impress you ('whelm'). This helps you remember that 'underwhelm' means to fail to impress.

Visually Confused Words