less than decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less than decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is below an acceptable standard or quality. Example: "The service at the restaurant was less than decent, leaving us disappointed with our experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Certainly Cheever's voluminous harping, in his journals, on the sexual non-responsiveness of his wife, Mary, is obtuse and less than decent in perceiving no link between Mary's coolness and his daily drunkenness.

The New Yorker

Certainly, should the service be less than decent, guests would be justified (much to the chagrin of the server) in tipping a smaller percentage.

Huffington Post

It's no news that financially it stinks to be a grad student -- especially if you are paying tuition or commuting to several schools as an adjunct to offer classes at less than decent wages.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

*Political, because they were in rebellion against the state and therefore the people of New York, whose officials followed the public will in imprisoning them under less-than-decent conditions, then interpreted that will to sanction their murder in the name of law and order.

The New York Times - Arts

The singing is never less than very decent, and often a good deal more.

The Guardian

Mouthful for mouthful, they cost less than a decent supermarket Côtes du Rhône.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their home computer, equipped with a built-in CD burner and software for MP3 conversion, sequencing and sampling functions, will still cost less than any decent electric guitar, synthesizer or drum set -- let alone a Stradivarius violin or a Bösendorfer piano.

The New York Times - Arts

That mentality just makes you a less than a decent person.

WikiHow

Or rather: "less than 5 percent are decent, and less than 1 percent are really good".

The New York Times - Magazine

Thus its failure rate is less than 25%, a decent figure for most investors.

TechCrunch

That's less than two cartons of decent smokes here in the States.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than decent" to politely critique something without being overly harsh. It's a subtle way to express dissatisfaction.

Common error

Avoid using "less than decent" in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more direct and specific language to convey concerns with clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than decent" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that something is below the expected or acceptable standard. Ludwig AI validates the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "less than decent" is a grammatically correct and subtly critical expression used to describe something that falls below an acceptable standard. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively uncommon, it appears mostly in news and media sources. When writing, it's best used to provide a polite critique and should be avoided in highly formal contexts where more direct language may be preferred. Consider alternatives such as "subpar" or "below average" depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subpar

Indicates a performance or quality below the expected standard.

below average

Signifies a level that is lower than what is considered normal or typical.

not up to par

Implies that something does not meet the required level of quality or performance.

deficient

Highlights a lack or shortage in quality or adequacy.

inadequate

Emphasizes that something is not sufficient or good enough for a particular purpose.

unsatisfactory

Expresses disappointment because something does not meet expectations or requirements.

poor quality

Directly points out the low grade or standard of something.

second-rate

Indicates that something is not of the highest quality or standard.

mediocre

Suggests an average or unremarkable quality.

inferior

Highlights that something is lower in rank, status, or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "less than decent" in a sentence?

You can use "less than decent" to describe something that is below an acceptable standard. For example, "The service at the restaurant was "less than decent", leaving us disappointed."

What are some alternatives to "less than decent"?

Alternatives include "subpar", "below average", or "inadequate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "less than decent"?

Yes, "less than decent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate something is not up to an acceptable standard.

When is it appropriate to use "less than decent"?

It's appropriate to use "less than decent" when you want to express that something is not very good, but you don't want to be overly critical or harsh. It's suitable for expressing mild dissatisfaction.