Pithless

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈpɪθləs/

Definitions

1. Lacking vigor or strength, devoid of substance or importance, and characterized by a sense of emptiness or insignificance
2. Devoid of energy or passion, showing no depth or meaning, and failing to convey any substantial value or relevance
3. Having no essence or vitality, lacking in interest or character, and marked by a hollow or unremarkable nature

Etymology: "Pithless" is a plain formation: the noun "pith," the core or essential substance of something, with the suffix "-less," meaning "without." Literally it describes something lacking pith, the marrow or central matter that gives a thing its substance. The pull of the root explains the meaning. "Pith" has long referred to the soft spongy core of a plant stem, and by extension to the essential part of anything, its vigour or heart. Something pithless therefore has no core to it: a speech with no argument at its centre, a film with no emotional weight, a person with no spirit. The word takes the idea of a hollow stem and applies it to ideas and character.

Synonyms: insipid, dull, vapid, uninteresting, bland

Antonyms: exciting, vibrant, dynamic, stimulating, engaging