is not doing well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not doing well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is experiencing difficulties or challenges, often in a health, performance, or emotional context. Example: "After the recent changes in management, the team is not doing well and morale has dropped significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Mediaset is not doing well in the market.

The New York Times

Arkadi is not doing well in the past year".

The Guardian - Sport

"My wife is not doing well down there," Rivera said.

The New Yorker

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is not doing well.

The Guardian

Some time, the team is not doing well.

The New York Times

"He is not doing well," Wynanda Coetzee, his lawyer, told reporters.

The New York Times

But it is not doing well on equal opportunities in education.

The Economist

He goes to Dakar but is not doing well with his music there.

The New Yorker

Our third patient is not doing well — she is going to die".

The New Yorker

Sometimes the stadium will chant, 'We want 11 Juanitos' when the team is not doing well.

The New York Times - Sports

She hears that Erminio, at home in Oaxaca, is not doing well.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with "is not doing well", be specific about the area or aspect that is experiencing difficulties. For example, instead of saying "The project is not doing well", specify "The project is not doing well in terms of meeting deadlines."

Common error

Avoid using "is not doing well" as a vague, catch-all phrase. Instead, identify the specific reasons for the lack of progress or success. For example, rather than saying "The company is not doing well", explain, "The company's sales are down due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not doing well" functions as a predicate in a sentence. It typically describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating that the subject is experiencing problems or is not performing as expected. Ludwig AI examples confirm its use in diverse contexts to express negative performance or health.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not doing well" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that someone or something is experiencing difficulties or underperforming. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While broadly applicable, specificity enhances its impact. Consider alternatives like "is struggling" or "is underperforming" for nuanced expression and clearer communication. When writing, remember to avoid overgeneralization by clearly specifying the area in which something is failing. Top authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, further validating its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is struggling

Focuses on the effort and difficulty involved, suggesting a challenging situation.

is failing

Indicates a lack of success or an inability to meet expectations, with a stronger negative connotation.

is having difficulties

Highlights the presence of problems or obstacles.

is in decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration or weakening over time.

is not thriving

Suggests a lack of growth, progress, or overall well-being.

is on the decline

Indicates a downward trend or a decrease in quality or status.

is underperforming

Specifically refers to a failure to meet expected standards or targets.

is deteriorating

Emphasizes a worsening condition or state of decay.

is falling short

Highlights the failure to reach a desired standard or goal.

is suffering

Implies a state of hardship, distress, or pain.

FAQs

How can I use "is not doing well" in a sentence?

You can use "is not doing well" to describe someone or something experiencing difficulties. For example, "The economy "is not doing well" due to the global recession" or "He "is not doing well" after the surgery".

What are some alternatives to "is not doing well"?

Alternatives include "is struggling", "is failing", "is underperforming", or "is in decline", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is not doing well" in formal writing?

"Is not doing well" is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when aiming for clarity and directness. However, for more formal or academic contexts, consider using alternatives that provide more specific detail, such as "is experiencing difficulties" or "is demonstrating underperformance".

Is "is not doing well" too vague, and how can I make it more specific?

While "is not doing well" is understandable, it can be vague. To be more specific, clarify what aspect is struggling and why. For example, instead of "The business "is not doing well"", try "The business "is not doing well" due to decreased sales and increased operational costs".