less than sterling

USAGE SUMMARY

'less than sterling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something of low or questionable quality. For example, you could say "The candidate's performance was less than sterling".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It sometimes sold off less than sterling assets.

The New Yorker

His play in Game 5 Wednesday night in the Devils' 5-3 victory was less than sterling.

The New York Times - Sports

Few spectators stayed after the tournament was concluded, perhaps because the American side was sprinkled with Scottish exiles and the golf was less than sterling.

The New York Times - Sports

That left the FHA as the only game in town for borrowers without big down-payments or with less than sterling credit.

The Economist

Securities markets have also opened up, and larger companies — even those with less than sterling credit — have been borrowing more than before from that source.

The New York Times

Smiley soon acquired, according to Kenneth Nebenzahl, the Chicago dealer, "a less than sterling reputation — as a slow payer, or a no-payer".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In more than six decades of work he has been a sterling presence — even in less-than-sterling films — inimitable except that so many have tried.

The New York Times

Like many blue-chip corporations, companies with less-than-sterling credit are rushing to sell bonds and take advantage of low interest rates.

The New York Times

Some of the funds that he deals with are prohibited from trading with banks that have a less-than-sterling credit rating.

The New York Times

Mr. Ostrowski acknowledges though, that during the market's boom his customer's craving for the next hot stock did result in some less-than-sterling recommendations.

The New York Times

The systems have helped create niche markets for lenders, including what is known as the subprime market, the market for borrowers with less-than-sterling credit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less than sterling" when you want to politely but clearly indicate that something is not of the highest quality or standard. It's suitable for professional and formal contexts where a direct criticism might be too harsh.

Common error

Avoid using "less than sterling" in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not great" or "not the best".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than sterling" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that it is of a lower quality or standard than what is considered excellent or ideal. As stated by Ludwig AI, this expression is used to describe something of low or questionable quality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less than sterling" is an adjective phrase used to describe something that is not of the highest quality or standard. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and appropriate for formal contexts, conveying a critical assessment in a polite manner. While alternatives like "subpar" or "inadequate" exist, "less than sterling" maintains a nuanced and professional tone. Its usage is most common in news and business contexts, and it should be avoided in casual conversation to prevent sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poor quality

A straightforward and direct way to describe something of low quality.

subpar

A single word that succinctly conveys that something is below the expected standard.

not up to par

Similar to 'subpar', but uses a golfing metaphor to suggest something isn't good enough.

below average

Indicates that something is not as good as the typical or expected standard.

not the best

A more casual and understated way to say something is not of high quality.

deficient

Emphasizes a lack or shortage of something, resulting in a lower quality.

inadequate

Suggests that something is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose.

unsatisfactory

Highlights that something fails to meet expectations or requirements.

lacking

Highlights the absence of essential qualities or components.

second-rate

Suggests something is of inferior quality compared to the best.

FAQs

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

You can use "less than sterling" to describe something that is not of the highest quality. For example, "The company's recent performance has been "less than sterling"" or "The reviews for the new restaurant were "less than sterling"".

What are some alternatives to "less than sterling"?

Alternatives to "less than sterling" include "subpar", "not up to par", "inadequate", or "poor quality". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less than sterling" in formal writing?

Yes, "less than sterling" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a critical assessment in a polite and professional manner, making it suitable for business reports, academic papers, and other formal contexts.

What's the difference between "less than sterling" and "terrible"?

"Less than sterling" is a more nuanced way of saying something is not good, while "terrible" implies something is extremely bad. "Less than sterling" is generally more polite and suitable for professional contexts, whereas "terrible" expresses a stronger negative sentiment.