is not good enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "is not good enough" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to express dissatisfaction with something. For example, "This essay is not good enough; I will have to rewrite it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That is not good enough.

The New York Times

"Reconciliation is not good enough.

The New York Times

"This is not good enough," he continued.

The New York Times

But that is not good enough, apparently.

Independent

"Fixing Michigan is not good enough.

The New York Times

This quite simply is not good enough.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Bronze isn't good enough.

The New York Times

Almost isn't good enough".

The New York Times

Their face isn't good enough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Maybe my radio isn't good enough".

The New York Times

To them, that isn't good enough".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience and the level of formality required. While "is not good enough" is generally acceptable, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "is insufficient" or "is inadequate".

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "is not good enough" without providing supporting details. This can come across as dismissive and unhelpful. Always explain what aspects need improvement and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not good enough" functions as a predicative expression, typically following a subject and a linking verb (is). It serves to ascribe a negative quality or judgment, indicating that something fails to meet a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not good enough" is a common and versatile expression used to convey dissatisfaction or the failure to meet expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase also appears in Formal & Business and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates the most appropriate alternative, with more formal options like "is insufficient" or "is inadequate" available. When employing this phrase, always provide specific reasons for the judgment to avoid sounding dismissive. The plentiful examples available through Ludwig demonstrate its widespread use and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is insufficient

Replaces "good enough" with a more formal term, focusing on the lack of required quantity or quality.

is unacceptable

Emphasizes the lack of permissibility or suitability.

doesn't measure up

Uses a more informal, figurative expression to indicate failure to meet a standard.

falls short

Highlights the failure to reach a desired level or expectation.

is not up to par

Employs a golf-related idiom to convey that something is below the expected standard.

is inadequate

Similar to "is insufficient", but can also imply a lack of competence.

is wanting

A more literary way of saying something is lacking or deficient.

fails to satisfy

Focuses on the lack of fulfillment of a requirement or expectation.

leaves much to be desired

Indicates that something is far from perfect and needs significant improvement.

is a far cry

Emphasizes the large difference between the current state and a desired or expected state.

FAQs

What does "is not good enough" mean?

The phrase "is not good enough" expresses dissatisfaction or indicates that something fails to meet the required standard or expectations.

How can I use "is not good enough" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to express that something isn't meeting expectations. For example, "The quality of the work is not good enough; it needs to be revised."

What are some alternatives to "is not good enough"?

You can use alternatives like "is insufficient", "is unacceptable", or "doesn't measure up" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not good enough"?

It's appropriate when you need to express that something fails to meet the required standard. However, ensure you provide specific reasons to support your statement.