modest results

USAGE SUMMARY

"modest results" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation where expectations were not met or when the outcome was just adequate. Example sentence: Despite months of preparation, the team achieved only modest results in the end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HIGH hopes, fine words and modest results.

The Economist

These may sound like modest results, but they are striking.

The New York Times

Acceler8 produced a rush of activity but modest results.

The New Yorker

In some places that approach is reaping modest results.

The New York Times

Weight lifting yields only modest results for the posterior.

The New York Times

Previous efforts to rein in Internet merchants have yielded only modest results.

The New York Times

Stock markets in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe on Friday had modest results.

The New York Times

This study has just been completed and concludes, once again, that the program produces only modest results.

The New York Times

And DoCoMo's efforts to interest Europeans in its proprietary i-mode technology have yielded only modest results.

The New York Times

In third place, Fox posted modest results with "Hell's Kitchen" (7.6 million) and "More to Love" (4.4 million).

The New York Times - Arts

Bureaucracies exhibit incredible inertia, and reform is a mammoth undertaking, usually with modest results.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "modest results", ensure the context clearly indicates what was expected versus what was actually achieved. This adds clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "modest results" when the outcomes were negligible or nonexistent. Choose a more accurate descriptor like "no results" or "failed attempt" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modest results" functions as a noun phrase, where "modest" is an adjective qualifying the noun "results". It describes the nature or quality of the results achieved. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "modest results" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes outcomes which are less substantial or impactful than anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, signifying its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to highlight the contrast between expectations and actual achievements. While the term is suitable for formal writing, avoiding its use when outcomes were truly negligible is crucial. Alternatives include "limited outcomes" and "marginal gains", which offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited outcomes

Focuses on the limited nature of the results achieved.

underwhelming performance

Highlights the disappointing nature of the results.

marginal gains

Emphasizes the small improvements made.

small achievements

Underscores the limited scale of the accomplishments.

slight improvements

Highlights the minor degree of progress.

humble outcomes

Focuses on how simple or unpretentious the results were.

unspectacular results

Points out that the results were not remarkable or impressive.

limited success

Emphasizes the constraints on success.

moderate progress

Indicates an advancement, but not a significant one.

restrained effects

Highlights the limited impact of an action.

FAQs

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

"Modest results" typically describe a situation where the outcome was less significant than anticipated. For example: "Despite the extensive marketing campaign, the company achieved only "modest results"."

What can I say instead of "modest results"?

You can use alternatives like "limited outcomes", "underwhelming performance", or "marginal gains" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "modest results" in formal writing?

Yes, "modest results" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and objective way to describe outcomes that are not particularly impressive. However, be sure to provide enough context.

What's the difference between ""modest results"" and "poor results"?

"Modest results" suggest some degree of success, although limited. "Poor results" indicate a significant failure to achieve the desired outcome. The first is less negative.