lower than expected

USAGE SUMMARY

'lower than expected' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe results or levels that do not meet expectations. For example, "Sales this quarter were lower than expected, so we need to devise a plan to increase them in the next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

That was lower than expected.

The New York Times

Profits were lower than expected by analysts.

The Economist

All but one went lower than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Last quarter, futures orders were lower than expected.

The New York Times

Heard went much lower than expected.

The New York Times - Sports

Intraexaminer agreement was lower than expected.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

XD Electric's lower-than-expected I.P.O.

The New York Times

The company reported lower-than-expected earnings.

The New York Times

Lower-than-expected growth was also a handicap.

The Guardian - Business

Lower-than-expected inflation increases the real burden of debts.

The Economist

Yesterday, the US reported lower-than-expected new jobless claims.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lower than expected", ensure you provide context by explaining what was expected and why the actual result differed. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something was "lower than expected" without specifying the expected value or outcome. Always provide a reference point to give the statement meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lower than expected" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe something that did not meet prior expectations. Ludwig AI shows its versatility in describing various outcomes, from sales figures to scientific measurements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lower than expected" is a widely used phrase to indicate that an outcome or result did not meet prior expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and business. While primarily neutral in tone, it often conveys a sense of disappointment or surprise. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide context, specifying what the expected outcome was to ensure clarity. Consider using alternatives such as "below expectations" or "underperformed" for variety. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately use "lower than expected" in their communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below expectations

This alternative is a more concise way of conveying the same meaning by omitting "than expected".

less than anticipated

This alternative phrase directly replaces "expected" with "anticipated", offering a similar level of formality and meaning.

underperformed

This is a verb that describes the act of performing worse than anticipated.

fell short of projections

This alternative specifies that the actual results did not meet the previously made projections or forecasts.

worse than predicted

This is similar, but emphasizes the predictive aspect that turned out to be inaccurate.

disappointing results

This focuses on the emotional reaction to the results, highlighting that they were not satisfactory.

failed to meet targets

This alternative directly points out the failure to achieve pre-set targets or goals.

subpar performance

This is a succinct way to describe a performance that is below the standard or expected level.

deficient in comparison

This is a more formal and technical way of saying that something is lacking when compared to what was expected.

under the mark

This is an idiomatic expression indicating failure to reach a required standard.

FAQs

What does "lower than expected" mean?

The phrase "lower than expected" indicates that an actual outcome or result was less than what was predicted, anticipated, or hoped for. It suggests a deviation from a prior expectation.

How can I use "lower than expected" in a sentence?

You can use "lower than expected" to describe various scenarios. For instance: "The company's profits were "below expectations" this quarter." Or "Turnout for the event was "less than anticipated"."

What are some alternatives to "lower than expected"?

Some alternatives include "underperformed", "fell short of projections", or "disappointing results" depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is it always negative when something is "lower than expected"?

While often used in negative contexts, "lower than expected" isn't inherently negative. For example, "Premiums costs for seniors are 43% "less than the expected"" can indicate a positive outcome.