underwhelming

verb (used with object) Informal.

1. to fail to interest or astonish: After all the ballyhoo, most critics were underwhelmed by the movie.

adjective

1. failing to make a positive impact or impression; disappointing

verb

1. (tr) to make no positive impact or impression on; disappoint

v.1953 (implied in underwhelming), a facetious play on overwhelm. Related: Underwhelmed; underwhelmingly.