does not measure up to

USAGE SUMMARY

"does not measure up to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and it is often used to refer to something that is not considered good or satisfactory.
For example, "His performance in the exam did not measure up to his usual standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Whatever this is, it does not measure up to a slow-made demi-glace.

The New York Times - Food

Unilateral action by the president does not measure up to this standard.

The New York Times

Her writing sometimes does not measure up to communicating the complexities she has assembled.

The New York Times - Books

With all due respect, letting it fly does not measure up to flying by oneself.

The New York Times - Sports

Ten years later, you would be hard-pressed to find one that does not measure up to Western standards.

The New York Times

Juxtaposing his head against Mount Rushmore shows me that this president does not measure up to the presidents commemorated there.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He sells millions, yet doesn't measure up to Coltrane?

The New York Times - Arts

The storytelling doesn't measure up to these images, but George Bukhari as Piggy does.

The Guardian

But on pavement -- as opposed to trails -- it doesn't measure up to the car-based Ford Escape.

The New York Times

At 6 feet and 215 pounds, West doesn't measure up to the 6-3, 225-pound Garnes.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, the rest of the novel, while not quite a disappointment, doesn't measure up to the high standards set by such moments.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “does not measure up to” to express that something fails to meet a particular standard or expectation. For clarity, ensure that both the subject and the standard are clearly defined in your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses or subject-verb agreement when using the phrase. Ensure that the verb 'does' agrees with the subject of the sentence. For example, it is incorrect to say 'they does not measure up to' instead of 'they do not measure up to'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not measure up to" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that something fails to reach a required or expected level of quality, performance, or value. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not measure up to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something fails to meet a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage and widespread presence in diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure proper subject-verb agreement and select the most appropriate synonym based on the context. Considering the wide range of available alternatives such as ""fails to meet"" or "falls short of" can help refine your writing and convey the intended nuance more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fails to meet

Emphasizes a lack of fulfillment of expectations or requirements.

falls short of

Highlights a deficiency or lack of achievement in comparison to a goal.

is inferior to

Indicates a lower quality or status compared to another item or standard.

is not as good as

A straightforward comparison indicating a difference in quality or desirability.

doesn't compare to

Suggests that a direct comparison reveals significant differences in value or quality.

is lacking in

Focuses on the absence of specific qualities or attributes.

can't hold a candle to

An idiomatic expression denoting a vast difference in quality, often humorous.

is no match for

Implies an inability to compete or measure up against something stronger or better.

is overshadowed by

Indicates that something is less noticeable or important due to the presence of something else.

pales in comparison to

Emphasizes how something seems insignificant when compared to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "does not measure up to" in a sentence?

Use "does not measure up to" to indicate that something fails to meet a particular standard or expectation. For example, "The sequel "fails to meet" the quality of the original movie".

What are some alternatives to saying "does not measure up to"?

You can use alternatives like "falls short of", ""fails to meet"", or "is inferior to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "does not measure up to" and "doesn't compare to"?

"Does not measure up to" indicates a failure to meet a specific standard, while "doesn't compare to" suggests a disparity in quality or value between two things.

Is it better to use "does not measure up to" or "falls short of"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "does not measure up to" is more direct in pointing out a specific deficiency, while "falls short of" might imply a smaller margin of difference.