modest performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest performance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a task or accomplishment that is adequate but not particularly impressive or remarkable. For example, "Despite their modest performance in the national championships, the team was still able to win their division."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Despite Rodriguez's modest performance (4 for 15, one homer) against Cleveland, his value as a performer is unquestioned.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a neighborhood gathering spot and a modest performance space.

The New York Times

One-time gains, including the sale of unwanted assets, masked a modest performance.

The New York Times

Across the length and breadth of the Soviet Union, this seemingly modest performance served quite well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Regulators are paying them closer attention, while investors are demanding lower fees, given recent, modest performance.

The Economist

The features that limit screen-printed cells to the relatively modest performance levels previously mentioned are identified.

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics Fundamentals and Applications

Simulation studies reveal that the proposed approach suffers modest performance loss as compared with centralized non-linear scheduling strategies.

Applied Energy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

In each health center catchment area, CHWs belong to a cooperative that receives modest performance-based financial incentives.

BMC Health Services Research

"We believe this year may show a more-modest performance given the risk of energy prices on the holiday season," Friedman wrote.

Forbes

The two preceding proteins had their immunogenic and immunoprotective activities evaluated in hamsters and have shown only modest performance [ 20].

BioMed Research International

Despite these associations, NT-proBNP demonstrated only modest performance in identifying patients with a low peak VO(2) who might be considered for cardiac transplantation.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "modest performance" with specific metrics or comparisons to provide context. For example, "a modest performance compared to last quarter's results".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of a "modest performance". Resist the temptation to spin it as a resounding success or a major turning point; instead, acknowledge its limitations and potential for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest performance" primarily functions as a descriptor, where the adjective 'modest' modifies the noun 'performance'. According to Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound phrase, commonly used to describe results that are adequate but not particularly impressive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest performance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an outcome or result that is adequate but not outstanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context, avoid exaggeration, and manage expectations appropriately. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "average execution" or "limited achievement", the choice depends on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Therefore, "modest performance" serves as a useful tool for describing situations where results are satisfactory without being exceptional, offering a balanced perspective for assessing outcomes and setting future goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unspectacular result

Replaces "performance" with "result" and uses "unspectacular" instead of "modest", emphasizing the lack of excitement.

limited achievement

Focuses on the "achievement" aspect, specifying that it is "limited", similar to being "modest".

moderate showing

Uses "showing" as a synonym for performance, and "moderate" for "modest", indicating a middle-ground level of success.

average execution

Replaces "performance" with "execution" and uses "average" instead of "modest", pointing to a standard level of operation.

humble effort

Substitutes "performance" with "effort" and "modest" with "humble", highlighting the unpretentious nature of the attempt.

ordinary outcome

Focuses on the final "outcome" and describes it as "ordinary", conveying a lack of special characteristics.

subdued display

Uses "display" as a synonym for performance, and "subdued" for "modest", suggesting a low-key or restrained exhibition.

reasonable attempt

Highlights the "attempt" made, noting it as "reasonable", indicating an acceptable but not outstanding effort.

serviceable accomplishment

Uses "accomplishment" instead of "performance", described as "serviceable", indicating it meets the basic requirements.

passable demonstration

Replaces "performance" with "demonstration" and describes it as "passable", suggesting it barely meets the minimum standard.

FAQs

How can I use "modest performance" in a sentence?

You can use "modest performance" to describe something that is adequate but not outstanding. For example, "Despite a "modest performance" in the first half, the team rallied to win the game."

What are some synonyms for "modest performance"?

Alternatives to "modest performance" include "average execution", "limited achievement", or "moderate showing". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "modest performance" or "poor performance"?

"Modest performance" suggests something is adequate but not exceptional, while "poor performance" indicates a significant deficiency. Use "modest performance" when the outcome is acceptable but could be better, and "poor performance" when it falls below expectations.

What does "modest performance" imply about future expectations?

A "modest performance" often suggests potential for improvement. It implies that while current results are not exceptional, there's room to grow and achieve better outcomes in the future. It's a more encouraging term than "poor performance", which may suggest more fundamental issues.