is less than perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is less than perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not entirely satisfactory or has flaws. Example: "While the presentation was informative, it is less than perfect due to some technical issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The technology is less than perfect.

The New York Times - Tech

But outside Washington, Mr. Webster's record is less than perfect.

The New York Times

So what if Trump's diction is less than perfect?

The Guardian

But one element of Mr Ashdown's record is less than perfect.

The Economist

Earlier Clarke told the BBC Radio 4 World at One programme: "This is less than perfect.

The Guardian

They acknowledge that the plant's safety record, while certified by oversight agencies, is less than perfect.

The New York Times

Payola is simply an evil associated with the human character, which is less than perfect.

The New Yorker

Here's another: the MetroCard system is less than perfect -- a lot less.

The New York Times

Saturday is less than perfect with plenty of clouds and the risk of a few showers.

The Washington Post

Very often the first pancake is less than perfect, but don't be disheartened: this is completely normal.

Independent

That, on further investigation, the victim's credibility is less than perfect only makes Mr. Strauss-Kahn's arrest even more impressive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is less than perfect" when you want to acknowledge flaws without being overly critical. It's a balanced way to point out areas needing improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "is less than perfect" excessively in formal documents or reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "suboptimal" or "requires further refinement" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is less than perfect" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its state. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and correct in written English. It indicates that something has flaws or shortcomings without being completely deficient.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is less than perfect" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that has flaws or shortcomings, but is not entirely deficient. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and can be used in various contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. While frequently found in neutral registers like News & Media, it's important to be mindful of the context. For more formal communication, alternatives such as "is not ideal" or "has room for improvement" may be more appropriate. Remember to use it to acknowledge imperfections without sounding overly critical, offering a balanced perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imperfect

Directly states the lack of perfection.

is not ideal

Emphasizes the absence of an ideal state, rather than explicitly stating imperfection.

is flawed

Highlights the existence of specific faults or defects.

has shortcomings

Focuses on the aspects where something is deficient.

is not up to par

Indicates failure to meet a required standard or expectation.

falls short

Implies a failure to reach a particular goal or standard.

leaves something to be desired

Expresses dissatisfaction and the need for improvement.

has room for improvement

Highlights the potential for positive change and further development.

could be better

Suggests room for improvement in a simple and direct manner.

isn't quite right

Indicates a subtle sense of something being off or incorrect.

FAQs

How can I use "is less than perfect" in a sentence?

You can use "is less than perfect" to describe something that has flaws or doesn't meet the highest standards. For instance, "While the design is innovative, the execution "is less than perfect"."

What are some alternatives to saying "is less than perfect"?

Alternatives include "is not ideal", "is flawed", or "has room for improvement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is less than perfect"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge imperfections without being overly harsh. It's suitable for situations where something is functional but could be better. Consider if more formal language would be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "is less than perfect" and "is unacceptable"?

"Is less than perfect" implies flaws that can be tolerated with the opportunity for improvement, while "is unacceptable" indicates that something fails to meet the minimum requirements and needs to be fixed or discarded. For example "The delivery time "is less than perfect" but still adequate".