vapid
UK: ˈvæpɪd | US: ˈvæpɪd
adj. lacking liveliness, sharpness, or flavor; dull or insipid
adj. (of a person or conversation) offering nothing stimulating or challenging; bland
The word "vapid" originates from the Latin vapidus, meaning "flat-tasting" or "insipid," derived from vapor (steam, vapor). Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe things (or people) devoid of vigor, freshness, or interest—much like steam that dissipates without substance. The morpheme vap preserves the original Latin root’s connection to insubstantiality, while -id functions as an adjectival suffix.
The critic dismissed the film as vapid and uninspired.
Her vapid smile revealed no genuine emotion.
The soda had gone flat, leaving a vapid aftertaste.
He avoided vapid small talk at the party.
The novel’s plot was criticized for being vapid and predictable.