it does not excel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it does not excel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something does not perform exceptionally well or is not outstanding in a particular context. Example: "While the product is functional, it does not excel in terms of durability compared to its competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This means it does not excel in any particular skills, but it has basically the same levels of experience in each area.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The only thing it doesn't excel at (because it doesn't really do it) is action – and that's something Colossus offers in mountain-sized helpings.

The Guardian - Tech

The multipurpose iPad can do thousands of things very well; used for reading book-length texts, it doesn't excel, but it's passable.

The New York Times

But they also felt that it "doesn't excel for having reporters and personalities that viewers enjoy," finding it "old-fashioned, slow-moving, even boring".

The New York Times

Last year, one such study sharply criticized this oasis of objectivity because, as an apparent fossil, it "doesn't excel for having reporters and personalities that viewers enjoy," finding it "old-fashioned, slow-moving, even boring".

Huffington Post

But nobody could say it didn't excel at that goal: the show is the No. 1 reason more people are vaguely worried that they're going to get set on fire in the middle of the street.

Huffington Post

Green Bay stuffed Peterson on first and second downs, which created more passing situations for Webb, who, as it became clear, does not excel in passing situations.

The New York Times - Sports

He fulfilled the role so expertly it felt perplexing that he does not excel this way more often.

The Guardian - Sport

So in the experiment set-ups by Karoui, the fixed point correction does not excel, but it always performs reasonably.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If "American Rose" does not excel at biographical explanation, it does have a penchant for ornate writing.

The New York Times - Books

(It was expired, but as the waistband business demonstrates, this guy does not excel in attention to detail).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of solely pointing out what "it does not excel" at, consider adding context with areas where it meets the required standard.

Common error

Avoid using "it does not excel" without specifying the area of deficiency. Overgeneralization can make your statement vague and less impactful. Instead, specify the area where the subject underperforms to provide clarity and actionable feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not excel" functions as a descriptor, indicating that a particular subject lacks exceptional qualities or performance in a specified area. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it does not excel" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of exceptional performance or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, with a neutral tone suitable for news, wiki entries, and scientific discussions. The best practice is to specify the area where the subject underperforms to avoid vague statements. When seeking alternatives, phrases like "it falls short" or "it is lacking" can be used for a more formal tone, while synonyms such as "it is unremarkable" offer a less critical approach. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it falls short

This alternative indicates a failure to reach a desired standard or expectation.

it is lacking

This suggests the absence of a necessary quality or attribute.

it is not distinguished

This phrase implies a lack of notable or outstanding qualities.

it is unremarkable

This suggests ordinariness and a failure to stand out.

it is deficient

This highlights a specific area of weakness or inadequacy.

it underperforms

This suggests failing to achieve expected performance levels.

it is subpar

This indicates performance below an acceptable standard.

it is not proficient

This phrase highlights a lack of skill or expertise.

it struggles

This implies difficulty and a lack of ease in performing a task.

it is middling

This indicates an average or mediocre level of performance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it does not excel" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "it falls short", "it is lacking", or "it is not distinguished", depending on the specific context.

What are some common synonyms for "it does not excel"?

Common synonyms include "it is unremarkable", "it is deficient", "it underperforms", and "it is subpar". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it does not excel" or "it excels"?

Whether to use "it does not excel" or "it excels" depends on the situation. Use "it excels" when you want to highlight exceptional performance. Use "it does not excel" when pointing out a deficiency or lack of exceptional ability in a specific area.

How do I use "it does not excel" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not excel" to point out a subject's weakness. For example, "While the product is functional, "it does not excel" in terms of durability compared to its competitors". Always specify in what aspect something lacks excellence.