inconsistent at best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inconsistent at best" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or statement that is unreliable or lacks consistency, suggesting that the best interpretation is still negative. Example: "The results of the experiment were inconsistent at best, leading us to question the validity of our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Frazier's been inconsistent at best.

The New York Times

The results since their arrival have been inconsistent at best.

The New Yorker

Corruption investigations rely on random spot-checks and tips from whistleblowers, which are inconsistent at best.

Columbia University

The interfaces in cars are inconsistent at best, and often downright infuriating.

MIT Technology Review

If they continue to dawdle, the results will be inconsistent at best.

The Guardian

In the park, unreliable refrigeration keeps food in the hotels inconsistent at best.

The New York Times - Travel

Mentoring of young scientists on matters of rigor and transparency is inconsistent at best.

Nature

Tim Thomas, meanwhile, has been inconsistent at best and a liability at worst.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately, the Trump administration's attitude toward such behavior has been inconsistent at best and hypocritical at worst.

The Washington Post

Under ordinary circumstances, one would expect Republicans at least to respect free trade, but alas, they are inconsistent at best.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

With Newman released, Orlando Scandrick unproven as a starter and Mike Jenkins an inconsistent performer at best, Carr could come in and start straight away for the Cowboys.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inconsistent at best" to temper criticism, acknowledging occasional positive aspects while highlighting overall unreliability.

Common error

Avoid using "inconsistent at best" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "unreliable" or "erratic" to express similar meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inconsistent at best" functions as an evaluative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, expressing a judgment that while there might be some positive aspects, the overall quality or reliability is lacking. Ludwig examples show this clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inconsistent at best" is a commonly used evaluative adjective phrase that serves to temper criticism while highlighting overall unreliability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While acknowledging occasional positive aspects, it emphasizes the general inadequacy of the subject. For alternative expressions, consider "unreliable to a degree" or "erratic at its finest" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Intermittent at best

Highlights the on-and-off nature of the positive aspects.

Unpredictable at best

Highlights the changing and random nature with a bit of a positive spin.

Unreliable to a degree

Emphasizes the lack of reliability but softens the criticism.

Erratic at its finest

Highlights the unpredictable nature, focusing on instances where it's slightly better.

Patchy in quality

Focuses on the unevenness in quality, suggesting some parts are better than others.

Variable in performance

Highlights the changing performance, suggesting inconsistency.

Sporadic in success

Emphasizes the infrequency of success.

Uneven in application

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in how something is applied or implemented.

Occasionally acceptable

Downplays the frequency of acceptability, implying it's rare.

Sometimes adequate

Highlights that in certain moments it can be adequate.

FAQs

How can I use "inconsistent at best" in a sentence?

You can use "inconsistent at best" to describe something that sometimes works or is acceptable, but is generally unreliable. For example, "The team's performance this season has been "inconsistent at best", with occasional wins interspersed with numerous losses."

What are some alternatives to "inconsistent at best"?

Alternatives include "unreliable at times", "erratic at best", or "patchy in quality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "inconsistent at best" or "consistent at worst"?

Both phrases are used to express negative evaluations, but they approach it from different angles. "Inconsistent at best" implies occasional positive moments amidst general unreliability, while "consistent at worst" suggests a continuous pattern of poor performance. The appropriate phrase depends on the specific situation you are describing.

What does "inconsistent at best" mean in the context of product reviews?

In product reviews, "inconsistent at best" indicates that the product's performance or quality varies significantly. Some users may have positive experiences, while others encounter issues, making the product's overall reliability questionable.