an underwhelming level of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underwhelming level of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, performance, or outcome that is disappointing or does not meet expectations. Example: "The presentation received an underwhelming level of engagement from the audience, leaving the speaker feeling disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There's an underwhelming level of investment in developing great leaders," Mr. Effron said.

The New York Times

For 70 minutes Belgium's so-called golden generation, packed full with players boasting Premier League 24-carat credentials, produced an underwhelming level of football.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's kind of an underwhelming election," Secretary of State William F. Galvin said in an interview.

The New York Times

Another boundary will take him past 1,000 first-class runs, although at an underwhelming average of 35.

The Guardian - Sport

In the quieter grown-up section there seemed to be an underwhelming number of books.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a caretaking quarterback to a T. Exacerbating the passing game's mediocrity is an underwhelming stash of resources at wide receiver.

The New York Times

The average bond fund produced an underwhelming gain of 0.8 percent in the period, as the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond edged up to 1.85 percent from 1.76 percent.

The New York Times

Marrone has been head coach of the Syracuse college team for four seasons, compiling an underwhelming record of 25-25.

The Guardian - Sport

In 20 Tests prior to that breakthrough, Anderson had taken 62 wickets at an underwhelming average of 39.20.

BBC

Young Hollywood wasn't the only show that seemingly got an underwhelming number of live viewers.

TechCrunch

Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia — Vick is the most enticing quarterback in an underwhelming collection of them.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an underwhelming level of" when you want to express disappointment that something doesn't meet expectations without being overly critical. It's suitable for professional or neutral contexts where a balanced tone is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "underwhelming" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "disappointing", "lacking", or "insufficient" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underwhelming level of" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts to express disappointment or a lack of expected quality. It serves to qualify a noun by indicating that it falls short of expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

34%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an underwhelming level of" is a descriptive phrase used to express disappointment that something doesn't meet expectations. Ludwig AI validates that it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal or neutral writing, as seen in news and business contexts. While not a highly frequent expression, it provides a balanced way to convey mild criticism. Consider alternative phrases like "a disappointing degree of" or "a meager amount of" to vary your writing. Use it judiciously to avoid repetition and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a disappointing degree of

Replaces "underwhelming" with a more direct expression of disappointment.

a meager amount of

Focuses on the insufficient quantity rather than the quality.

a deficient quantity of

Highlights the lack of a necessary amount.

a substandard amount of

Emphasizes the failure to meet expected standards.

a limited extent of

Indicates a restriction or small scope.

a marginal quantity of

Suggests something is barely enough or significant.

a trivial amount of

Implies the amount is insignificant or unimportant.

a negligible level of

Indicates that the level is so small it can be ignored.

an inadequate measure of

Focuses on the insufficiency of the measure.

a paltry sum of

Highlights the small and often contemptible amount.

FAQs

How can I use "an underwhelming level of" in a sentence?

You can use "an underwhelming level of" to describe something that is disappointing because it is less impressive or effective than expected. For example, "The project received "a disappointing level of" funding."

What are some alternatives to "an underwhelming level of"?

Some alternatives include "a disappointing degree of", "a meager amount of", or "an insufficient level of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an underwhelming level of" in formal writing?

Yes, "an underwhelming level of" is generally suitable for formal writing, particularly when aiming for a neutral or slightly critical tone. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

What does it mean when something is described as having "an underwhelming level of" something?

It means that the quantity, quality, or degree of something is less impressive or satisfactory than expected. It suggests a mild disappointment without being overly negative.