Word
bland
Phoneticsbland
US/ˈbɫænd/
UK/blˈænd/
Definitions
01food/flavor
B1 · Intermediate Cooking
adj. having very little taste or flavor; not spicy or exciting to eat.
adj. lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting; specifically applied to food that is unseasoned or mild.
“The soup was a bit bland, so I added some salt and pepper.”
“Patients on the recovery ward are often restricted to a bland diet to avoid irritating the digestive system during the initial healing phase.”
02boring or dull
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. boring and not having any strong or interesting qualities.
adj. lacking in vigor, excitement, or distinctive character; dull and unstimulating.
“The office building had a bland design that looked like every other block.”
“Critics dismissed the sequel as a bland imitation of the original, noting its failure to capture the vibrant energy of the first film.”
Antonyms
03personality/manner
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. showing no strong emotions or interesting personality traits.
adj. showing no strong emotion; pleasantly gentle but lacking in character or interest.
“He gave a bland smile and refused to answer any of the difficult questions.”
“The diplomat maintained a bland expression throughout the interrogation, revealing nothing of his true feelings regarding the proposed treaty.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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