Search Dictionary
Definition of halfhearted

halfhearted

/ˌhæfˈhɑːr.tɪd/
(UK: half-hearted)
half · heart · ed
Adverb:halfheartedly
JUMP TO:

halfhearted Lexical Profile

halfhearted Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing or feeling little enthusiasm, energy, or determination; done without real commitment.

Example

"He made only a halfhearted attempt to apologize before leaving the room."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for halfhearted
Antonyms
View all antonyms for halfhearted

• Rhymes for halfhearted

• Nearby Words

half-moon
halfback
halfbeak
halfhearted
halfheartedly
halfheartedness
halfmoon

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 15th century from 'half' and 'hearted', originally meaning cowardly or lacking courage before evolving by the 18th century to mean lacking enthusiasm.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Halfhearted. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/halfhearted
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.