What does lukewarm mean?
Lukewarm describes something that is neither properly hot nor properly cold, usually indicating a moderate temperature that may be less appealing than a hotter one. The word can also characterize human reactions, plans, or efforts as hesitant, restrained, or insufficiently enthusiastic. For example, a drink may be lukewarm because it has been left unattended, while a proposal may receive a lukewarm reception because the audience is unconvinced but not openly hostile. Its figurative use is often more evaluative than its literal use: it can imply that something lacks energy, decisiveness, or warmth without suggesting outright rejection. Lukewarm is a familiar word in both British and American English and is useful when the precise contrast is between genuine warmth or enthusiasm and an intermediate, disappointing state.
Neither hot nor cold; only moderately or unpleasantly warm. Figuratively, lacking enthusiasm, conviction, or full commitment.
"The audience's lukewarm response suggested that the proposal had not inspired much confidence."
The figurative sense is commonly mildly critical and can imply cautious or halfhearted support.
In a lukewarm or halfhearted manner.
"The committee responded lukewarmly to the proposal."
This use is less common than the adjective and is often strongly evaluative.
The word literally says what it means: “luke” once meant “tepid,” so lukewarm is essentially “tepid-warm.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lukewarm come from?
Lukewarm is a Middle English compound formed from luke, an old word meaning “tepid,” and warm. The compound therefore originally expressed something that was only mildly warm rather than fully hot. The element luke has relatives in several Germanic languages, including German lau and Dutch lauw, reflecting a wider Germanic vocabulary for a lukewarm temperature.
Related word forms
How lukewarm is actually used
In literal descriptions, lukewarm is usually neutral but can suggest that something has become insufficiently warm. In figurative use, it often carries a mildly critical or dismissive tone, implying hesitation, weak support, or lack of enthusiasm.