is significantly below

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is significantly below" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a certain value or measurement is much lower than a reference point or expected level. Example: "The temperature today is significantly below the average for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If it is significantly below, you are better off waiting for conditions to improve.

The New York Times

Only half Italian women work, which is significantly below that of other big EU economies.

The Guardian - Opinion

The average pension for the majority of members in the scheme is significantly below these figures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once they're out of jail, their economic productivity is significantly below that of non-offenders.

The Washington Post

"Right now, the level of production is significantly below final demand," said Jan Hatzius, senior economist at Goldman , Sachs

The New York Times

BBC3's reach to ethnic minorities, which is significantly below its average reach to 16 to 34-year-olds.

The Guardian

Considering the mean velocity on cutting geometries, it is significantly below the technological limitations.

Physics Procedia

The measure is significantly below the 90 reading that indicates a healthy economy.

The New York Times

The annual per capita income is significantly below the national average, as is the median household income.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The World Bank says that per capita gross domestic product in the Niger Delta is significantly below the country's average.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is significantly below the usual cost-effectiveness threshold for England which ranges from £20 000 to £30 000/QALY.

British Journal of Sports Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is significantly below", ensure you clearly establish the reference point for comparison to provide context for the significance of the difference.

Common error

Avoid using "is significantly below" without specifying what the subject is below. This can lead to ambiguity and make the statement less impactful. Always clarify the baseline for comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is significantly below" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating that a particular value or quantity is notably less than a specified or understood reference point. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is significantly below" is a versatile expression used to denote that something falls considerably short of a particular benchmark. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Analysis reveals that while suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to academic research, its use is most impactful when the reference point is explicitly stated, avoiding ambiguity. When precision is paramount, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "is considerably lower than" or "is markedly less than".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is considerably lower than

This alternative emphasizes a noticeable reduction or decrease in comparison to a reference point.

is markedly less than

This phrase suggests a distinct and easily observable difference in quantity or degree.

is substantially under

This indicates that something falls short of a specific target or level by a considerable amount.

is well beneath

This option conveys that something is positioned or performing far below a certain standard or expectation.

is far from reaching

This indicates a large gap between a current state and a desired outcome.

is drastically short of

This alternative suggests a severe deficiency or shortfall.

is nowhere near

This idiomatically conveys that something is not even close to achieving a specific value or level.

fails to meet significantly

This option highlights the failure to achieve a goal or requirement by a considerable margin.

is a long way off from

This phrase emphasizes the substantial distance or difference between two points.

pales in comparison to

This metaphorical phrase denotes that something is weak or insignificant when compared to something else.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is significantly below" a certain level?

It means that the value or measurement is much lower than that level, indicating a notable difference or deficiency.

How can I rephrase "is significantly below"?

You can use alternatives like "is considerably lower than", "is markedly less than", or "is substantially under" to express a similar meaning.

Which is more appropriate: "is significantly below" or "is somewhat below"?

It depends on the context. "Is significantly below" implies a larger difference than "is somewhat below". Use the former when the difference is substantial and noteworthy.

Is "is significantly below" formal or informal?

The phrase "is significantly below" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might prefer alternatives like "is considerably lower than" in specific academic or business contexts.