is no match for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is no match for' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something is inferior to someone or something else in terms of strength or ability. For example: The rookie judo athlete was no match for the Olympic champion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Julius is no match for his father.

The Guardian - Books

But pride is no match for addiction.

The New York Times

There is no match for her".

The New York Times

Anyway, an argument is no match for an aura.

The New Yorker

Blanchett is no match for her subtlety and heart.

The New Yorker

But she is no match for his viciousness.

The New York Times - Books

Still, Corey Crawford's spotty goaltending is no match for Smith's.

The New York Times

And Kaplan's reliability is no match for Giddins's.

The New York Times - Books

Jewish guilt is no match for teen-age entitlement.

The New Yorker

(Vaughn's Bates, in particular, is no match for Perkins's).

The New Yorker

Certain beauty is no match for certain memories.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is no match for" to clearly and concisely convey a significant difference in capability or strength between two subjects. This phrase is effective when emphasizing the dominance or superiority of one over the other.

Common error

Avoid using "is no match for" in overly casual or informal situations where a more nuanced or less direct expression would be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound overly harsh or dramatic in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is no match for" functions as a comparative idiom to express a significant difference in ability, strength, or quality between two entities. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to highlight one entity's clear superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is no match for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a clear disparity in ability or strength between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various sources, primarily in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall message. Consider alternative phrases like "cannot compete with" or "is inferior to" for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inferior to

Directly states a lower level of quality or ability.

is no rival to

Suggests that there is no real competition between them.

cannot compete with

Indicates an inability to achieve the same level of success or quality.

is easily defeated by

Focuses on the ease with which one is overcome by the other.

is outclassed by

Suggests a clear difference in skill or ability, often in a competitive setting.

pales in comparison to

Highlights the significant difference in quality or impact.

doesn't hold a candle to

An idiomatic way of saying something is far superior.

is overshadowed by

Implies that one is less noticeable or important than the other.

is second-rate compared to

Indicates a lower quality or standard.

is easily surpassed by

Indicates that one quickly exceeds the other in performance or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "is no match for" in a sentence?

Use "is no match for" to indicate a clear disparity in strength or ability. For example, "The amateur boxer "is no match for" the seasoned professional."

What are some alternatives to "is no match for"?

You can use alternatives like "cannot compete with", "is inferior to", or "is outclassed by" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is no match for"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize a significant difference in ability, strength, or quality between two things or people. Avoid using it in situations where a more subtle comparison is needed.

What's the difference between "is no match for" and "is not comparable to"?

"Is not comparable to" suggests that the two things are so different that a comparison is difficult, while "is no match for" indicates that one is clearly superior or dominant over the other.