Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

empty gesture

phrase

/ˈɛmpti ˈdʒɛstʃər/

Definition

An action or statement that appears meaningful but lacks real significance or impact.

Examples

Offering condolences at a funeral without having known the deceased is often seen as an empty gesture.
The company’s promise to improve worker conditions was dismissed by many as an empty gesture, given its ongoing labor disputes.
Giving a small gift during a formal meeting can sometimes feel like an empty gesture if no real conversation follows.

Meaning

An empty gesture is often used to describe a situation where someone does something superficial to show that they care, without taking any serious action or commitment. It indicates a lack of genuine intention behind the act.