Lacklustre vs. Lackluster — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 7, 2024
"Lacklustre" and "lackluster" are different spellings of the same term, reflecting British and American English preferences respectively.
Difference Between Lacklustre and Lackluster
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Lacklustre" is the British English spelling of a word meaning lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring. On the other hand, "lackluster" is the American English version of the same word, used to describe something that is dull or lacking in excitement.
The difference in spelling is a common instance of the variations found between British and American English, where British English often retains more traditional spellings that include 're' endings, whereas American English favors 'er' endings. This pattern is similar to other word pairs like "centre" (British) and "center" (American), or "fibre" and "fiber".
Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation of "lacklustre" and "lackluster" in their respective dialects is virtually identical, emphasizing the regional preference rather than any phonetic distinction.
In terms of usage, both spellings are accepted in their respective varieties of English and used in similar contexts to describe anything that is perceived to be dull, uninspiring, or failing to excite interest or enthusiasm.
The choice between "lacklustre" and "lackluster" often depends on the intended audience or the stylistic guidelines of a publication, with writers choosing the spelling that aligns with their or their audience's dialect of English.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
Meaning
Lacking excitement
Lacking excitement
Usage Context
Used in UK, Australia, Canada, etc.
Used in the United States
Example Words
Centre, metre, litre
Center, meter, liter
Pronunciation
Identical in both dialects
Identical in both dialects
Compare with Definitions
Lacklustre
Not shiny; dull in appearance.
The jewel's lacklustre finish made it look cheap.
Lackluster
Dull or uninspiring.
Critics described the book as lackluster and predictable.
Lacklustre
Dull or uninspiring.
The movie was criticized for its lacklustre plot.
Lackluster
Showing no enthusiasm or interest.
Her lackluster response made her disinterest obvious.
Lacklustre
Showing no enthusiasm or interest.
The team gave a lacklustre performance that disappointed the fans.
Lackluster
Not lively or spirited.
The debate was lackluster, with few compelling arguments.
Lacklustre
Lacking in vitality or force.
His lacklustre approach to the project led to its failure.
Lackluster
Lacking brilliance or radiance.
The lackluster lighting dimmed the room's beauty.
Lacklustre
Failing to excite interest or enthusiasm.
The presentation was informative but lacklustre.
Lackluster
Failing to impress or arouse interest.
The product launch was surprisingly lackluster.
Lacklustre
Lacking in vitality, force, or conviction; uninspired or uninspiring
No excuses were made for the team's lacklustre performance
Lackluster
Esa Ruoho (born 26 October 1978 in Helsinki, Finland), better known as Lackluster, is a Finnish electronic music producer and performer from Kontula, Helsinki. He is also known as Esa Ruoho, XLLV, Can'O'Lard and Kökö and the Köks.Ruoho has lived most of his life in Helsinki, Finland, but has also, since 2000, travelled to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada for six months in 2000–2001, and also spent time in Dublin, Ireland.
Lacklustre
(of the hair or the eyes) not shining; dull
The conditioner will revitalize lacklustre hair
Lackluster
Lacking brightness, luster, or vitality; dull.
Lacklustre
Q|Commonwealth spelling}} {{alternative spelling of lackluster
Lackluster
Lacking brilliance or intelligence.
Lacklustre
Qualifier|Commonwealth spelling}} {{alternative spelling of lackluster
Lackluster
Having no shine or lustre; dull.
Lacklustre
Lacking brilliance or vitality;
A dull lackluster life
A lusterless performance
Lackluster
(figurative) Not exceptional; not worthy of special merit, attention, or interest; having no vitality.
The actor gave a lackluster performance in his latest film.
Lacklustre
Lacking luster or shine;
Staring with lackluster eyes
Lusterless hair
Lackluster
(uncountable) Lack of brightness or points of interest.
Lackluster
(countable) A person or thing of no particular brilliance or intelligence.
Lackluster
A lack of luster.
Lackluster
Wanting luster or brightness.
Lackluster
Lacking spirit, liveliness, or enthusiasm; dull.
Lackluster
Mediocre; as, a lackluster performance.
Lackluster
Lacking brilliance or vitality;
A dull lackluster life
A lusterless performance
Lackluster
Lacking luster or shine;
Staring with lackluster eyes
Lusterless hair
Common Curiosities
Why does British English use "lacklustre" and American English "lackluster"?
This difference reflects broader spelling conventions between British and American English, with British English often retaining 're' endings and American English favoring 'er' endings.
Do "lacklustre" and "lackluster" have the same pronunciation?
Yes, they are pronounced the same way in their respective dialects of English.
Are "lacklustre" and "lackluster" the same?
Yes, they are the same word, with "lacklustre" being the British spelling and "lackluster" the American spelling.
Can "lacklustre" and "lackluster" be used interchangeably?
While they can be understood in both varieties of English, it's best to use the spelling that matches your variant of English.
Is "lacklustre" used in formal writing?
"Lacklustre" can be used in both formal and informal writing to describe something as dull or uninspiring.
Does the spelling change affect the word's meaning?
No, the meaning of "lacklustre" and "lackluster" is the same; only the spelling differs based on regional preferences.
Can "lacklustre" apply to inanimate objects?
Yes, it can apply to anything perceived as dull or uninspiring, including objects, performances, and ideas.
Is "lacklustre" only used negatively?
Yes, "lacklustre" and "lackluster" are typically used to convey a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or excitement, making them inherently negative descriptors.
How can I remember the difference between "lacklustre" and "lackluster"?
Remember that British English often retains more traditional spellings ('re' endings), while American English simplifies to 'er'.
How do I know which spelling to use?
Use the spelling that matches the English variant you are writing in: "lacklustre" for British English and "lackluster" for American English.
Can "lacklustre" describe a person?
Yes, it can describe a person's performance, effort, or general demeanor as uninspiring or dull.
Can "lacklustre" and "lackluster" describe physical appearances?
Yes, they can describe something as not shiny or dull in appearance.
Are there other words with similar British and American spellings?
Yes, many words have similar variations, such as "colour/color" and "favour/favor".
Is "lacklustre" considered a negative critique?
Yes, describing something as "lacklustre" implies a negative critique, suggesting it fails to impress.
Is it wrong to use "lacklustre" in American English?
It's not wrong, but "lackluster" is the preferred spelling in American English contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
