do not measure up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not measure up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something or someone does not meet a certain standard or expectation. Example: "Despite his efforts, his performance in the competition did not measure up to the high standards set by his coach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The facts of this case do not measure up to the foregoing standard.

Cornell University

The ergonomics of the interior do not measure up to the car's mechanical sophistication.

The New York Times

The items in the examination paper were studied and items that do not measure up to expectations were identified.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Ranches which do not measure up, or are closer to the city, will be broken up into ranchettes.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the federal government has provided incentives to close schools that do not measure up to national performance standards.

The New York Times

T.V.A. is rigorously inspecting Bellefonte and will replace any components that do not measure up to modern standards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Desserts don't measure up.

The New York Times

Frank, you don't measure up".

The New York Times - Sports

Other menu options, like salads, don't measure up.

The New York Times - Food

I've realised that I just don't measure up.

The Guardian

How do you treat people who don't measure up?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "fall short" or "fail to meet expectations" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

While "do not measure up" is generally acceptable, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "isn't good enough" or "doesn't cut it" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not measure up" primarily functions as a predicate in sentences, expressing a judgment or evaluation about a subject's quality or performance relative to a specific standard. Ludwig shows that the phrase typically indicates a deficiency or failure to meet expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not measure up" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something or someone fails to meet a particular standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, but is also used in academic, scientific, and business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation where alternatives such as "fall short" or "isn't good enough" might be more appropriate. Ensure clarity by clearly defining the standard of comparison when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fall short

Emphasizes a failure to reach a required level or standard.

Not live up to

Highlights the failure to fulfill expectations or promises.

Fail to meet expectations

Directly states the non-fulfillment of anticipated outcomes.

Be inadequate

Focuses on the insufficient nature of something in terms of quality or quantity.

Be deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage of something essential.

Prove unsatisfactory

Emphasizes the disappointing outcome or result.

Not be up to par

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate substandard performance.

Not suffice

Indicates that something is not enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

Be below standard

Clearly states that something is not at the required level of quality.

Not make the grade

An idiomatic expression that implies a failure to reach a necessary standard for success.

FAQs

What does "do not measure up" mean?

The phrase "do not measure up" means that something or someone fails to meet a specific standard, expectation, or requirement. It indicates a deficiency in quality, performance, or other relevant criteria.

What can I say instead of "do not measure up"?

You can use alternatives like "fall short", "not live up to", or "fail to meet expectations" depending on the specific context.

How to use "do not measure up" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The candidate's qualifications did not measure up to the job requirements."

When is it appropriate to use "do not measure up"?

It's appropriate to use "do not measure up" in situations where you want to express that something or someone doesn't meet a certain standard or expectation. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it might sound slightly formal in casual conversation.