is not sharp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not sharp" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks a sharp edge or point, or metaphorically to indicate that something is not clear or precise. Example: "The knife is not sharp enough to cut through the tough meat."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Downing Street operation is not sharp enough.

The Guardian

Besides, the link between popular success and lower academic standards is not sharp.

The Economist

So scrap the cliches: his breath is not bated, the contrast is not sharp.

The Guardian - Books

And Tarvaris Jackson is not sharp enough to throw every down against a quality D. Jackson does not read coverages well enough to anticipate receivers getting open.

The New York Times

But Cone's slider is not sharp these days, and when he fell behind in the count by 2-0 to Cabrera, his pitch selection was limited.

The New York Times - Sports

As for what to do when co-workers want him to explain what he is doing with an Armani suit that is not sharp and new?

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

While Cassini is not sharp-eyed enough to pick out the individual specks and boulders that form the rings, its photographs showed waves disturbing the rings, like ripples radiating from a pebble dropped in a pond.

The New York Times - Science

Now, "the screen isn't sharp enough" wasn't exactly a common iPhone complaint before.

The New York Times - Tech

Find clean, non-toxic bottles or any other plastic, make sure it isn't sharp.

WikiHow

(Optional use a serrated blade if your chef knife isn't sharp enough).

WikiHow

He was not sharp.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "is not sharp" to indicate a lack of clarity or definition. For example, "The distinction between these two ideas is not sharp."

Common error

Avoid using "is not sharp" when you mean someone lacks intelligence or understanding. Instead, use phrases like "is not smart", "is not bright", or "is not quick-witted". "Sharp" implies precision, not necessarily intelligence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not sharp" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating a lack of clarity, precision, or keenness. It modifies a noun or pronoun to express that something does not possess a defined or intense quality. Ludwig shows multiple examples of its use in both concrete and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not sharp" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of clarity, precision, or intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While it appears frequently in scientific and news-related sources, it's important to distinguish its meaning from a lack of intelligence. Alternatives such as "is not clear" or "is not well-defined" can provide similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks sharpness

Focuses on the absence of sharpness as a quality.

is not well-defined

Emphasizes the lack of clear boundaries or definition.

is somewhat blurred

Highlights the lack of clarity or distinction.

is not crisp

Similar to sharpness, but applies more to visual or auditory clarity.

is rather vague

Indicates a lack of precision or detail.

is fairly dull

Implies a lack of keenness or intensity.

is not acute

Similar to sharpness, but suggests a more subtle or nuanced difference.

is a bit fuzzy

Suggests a lack of focus or clarity.

is slightly muted

Indicates a reduction in intensity or clarity.

is kind of subdued

Implies a lack of prominence or intensity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not sharp"?

When something "is not sharp", it means it lacks a clear edge, distinction, or intensity. It can refer to physical objects, ideas, or even someone's mental state.

How can I use "is not sharp" in a sentence?

You can use "is not sharp" to describe anything that lacks clarity or definition. For instance, "The image quality "is not sharp"," or "His understanding of the topic "is not sharp"."

Which is correct: "is not sharp" or "isn't sharp"?

"Is not sharp" and "isn't sharp" are both grammatically correct. "Isn't sharp" is a contraction of "is not sharp" and is commonly used in informal contexts.

What are some synonyms for "is not sharp"?

Some synonyms for "is not sharp" include "is not clear", "is not well-defined", and "is somewhat blurred".