decent degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decent degree" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: "She had achieved a decent degree of success in her career, but she was still striving for more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I should have a decent degree of confidence that my decent degree from the LSE will serve me well in the labour market.

The Guardian - Opinion

I never paid a penny to spend three years at Cambridge and end up with a decent degree.

The Guardian

But if students are forced together, you can counteract this natural sorting and create a decent degree of integration.

The New York Times

For one thing, the book generates a decent degree of suspense over just how Michael will manage to blow his cover.

The New York Times - Books

If you decide to go to university then take choosing a course and a college seriously: going for three years of fun, friends and frivolity could be a massive waste of money if you don't come out with a decent degree.

Independent

On Friday authoritative new research, sponsored by the Department for Education itself, confirmed not only that GCSE scores matter, but also that the type of school a student attends is closely connected to their hopes of getting into university, sticking it out, and emerging with a decent degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Having a decent grade in a law degree could be what gives you the edge, no matter what job you're applying for.

The Guardian

My degree in French and Spanish – despite being a decent grade from a good university – is not worth the paper it's written on.

The Guardian

I went to university to get my degree, though I chose Stirling because it gave me the opportunity to carry on playing tennis at a decent level.

Independent

(I've been back and forth to Japan all year, and I have yet to perfect a decent thirty-degree bend, much less the more solemn forty-five-degree shazai).

The New Yorker

As festive as a Super Bowl in the New York area might be if the game-day February weather were relatively decent, say 30 degrees with a wind chill of 20 degrees, the chance of a snowstorm wouldn't be worth the risk.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's academic qualifications, use "decent degree" to indicate a satisfactory but not necessarily outstanding level of achievement. For instance, "A decent degree is often sufficient to secure an entry-level position".

Common error

Avoid using "decent degree" when a more precise descriptor is needed. If the degree is from a top-tier institution or resulted in exceptional grades, using stronger language like "prestigious degree" or "high honors degree" will provide a more accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decent degree" functions as an adjective-noun phrase where the adjective "decent" modifies the noun "degree". This describes the quality or standard of an academic qualification. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decent degree" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an academic qualification that meets a satisfactory standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While it doesn't imply exceptional performance like a "good degree", it conveys that the degree is adequate for its intended purpose. Alternatives include "respectable qualification" or "solid educational background", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the level of achievement; avoid overstating qualifications if a more precise descriptor is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable qualification

Replaces "degree" with a synonym emphasizing the achieved standard.

reasonable level of education

Focuses on the level achieved, using "reasonable" as a qualifier.

credible academic record

Emphasizes the trustworthiness and reliability of the academic achievement.

adequate educational standard

Shifts focus to the standard reached, using "adequate" instead of "decent".

good academic standing

Focuses on the academic achievement level instead of the formal qualification.

fair educational attainment

Replaces "degree" with a broader term for educational success, qualified by "fair".

solid educational background

Highlights the overall education instead of the specific degree.

satisfactory academic performance

Highlights performance as a measure of quality, in an academic context.

notable academic accomplishment

Emphasizes the achievement aspect of earning a degree.

passable level of schooling

Suggests the minimum acceptable standard of education has been achieved.

FAQs

How can I use "decent degree" in a sentence?

You can use "decent degree" to describe a level of academic qualification that is satisfactory or acceptable, such as, "She obtained a decent degree in engineering, which helped her secure a good job".

What's the difference between "decent degree" and "good degree"?

"Decent degree" implies a satisfactory level of achievement, while "good degree" suggests a higher standard of academic performance. A "good degree" might indicate honors or distinction, whereas a "decent degree" simply meets the required standards.

Which is correct, "decent degree" or "respectable degree"?

Both "decent degree" and "respectable degree" are correct and can be used interchangeably to describe an acceptable level of academic qualification. A "respectable degree" might subtly emphasize the social standing associated with the qualification.

What can I say instead of "decent degree"?

Alternatives include "respectable qualification", "solid educational background", or "adequate educational standard" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.