mixed success

USAGE SUMMARY

"mixed success" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or outcome that has both positive and negative aspects, or a result that falls somewhere in between success and failure. Example: The new policy had mixed success; while it did decrease costs for the company, it also caused some dissatisfaction among employees. Another example: The restaurant's attempt to introduce new, healthier menu options was met with mixed success, with some customers praising the changes while others complained about the lack of their favorite dishes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was a mixed success.

The New York Times

They have had mixed success.

The Economist

He had only mixed success.

The New York Times - Sports

The interventions have met with mixed success.

The New York Times

The Rameau was a mixed success.

The New York Times - Arts

The junior QBs responded with mixed success.

The New Yorker

I had mixed success in my tests.

The New York Times

Mycologists have had mixed success with domestication.

The New Yorker

Those approaches met with mixed success.

The New York Times

He has, let's say, mixed success.

The New Yorker

The project was a mixed success.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mixed success", specify the aspects that were successful and those that were not. This provides clarity and context to the assessment.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "mixed success" without elaborating on the specific successes and failures. This lack of detail can leave the reader uninformed and confused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mixed success" functions as a noun phrase where "mixed" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "success". It describes the degree or quality of success achieved in a particular situation or endeavor. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from evaluating projects to assessing personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Encyclopedias

8%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mixed success" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe situations that have both positive and negative outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Its neutral register and widespread usage make it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific details about the successes and failures to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "partial achievement" or "qualified triumph" can also be considered depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partial achievement

Highlights the aspect of accomplishment but suggests it's not complete.

qualified triumph

Emphasizes the successful outcome but notes limitations or conditions.

limited progress

Focuses on the advancement made, while acknowledging that it's not substantial.

moderate accomplishment

Indicates a level of achievement that is neither high nor low.

uneven results

Suggests that the outcomes varied, with some being successful and others not.

spotty performance

Implies inconsistency in the level of success achieved.

hit-or-miss outcome

Conveys the uncertainty and variability of the results.

inconsistent track record

Indicates that past performance has not been uniformly successful.

checkered history

Similar to inconsistent track record, but often used for events in the past.

so-so results

Indicates mediocre or average outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "mixed success" in a sentence?

You can use "mixed success" to describe a situation or outcome that has both positive and negative aspects. For example, "The company's new marketing campaign achieved "mixed success", increasing brand awareness but failing to significantly boost sales."

What are some alternative phrases for "mixed success"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "partial achievement", "qualified triumph", or "limited progress".

Is it better to use "mixed success" or a more specific description of the outcome?

While "mixed success" is a valid and commonly used phrase, providing a more specific description of the outcome can offer greater clarity and insight. Instead of saying "The project had "mixed success"", you could say, "The project was successful in reducing costs but failed to meet the initial deadline."

What does it imply when something is described as a "mixed success"?

Describing something as a "mixed success" implies that there were both positive and negative results or outcomes. It suggests that while some goals were achieved, others were not, or that the overall result was not entirely satisfactory.