Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
muted results
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "muted results" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe outcomes or findings that are subdued, less pronounced, or not as impactful as expected. Example: "The marketing campaign yielded muted results, failing to generate the anticipated engagement from the target audience."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Saracens had pressed their current England No 10, Owen Farrell, into inside-centre service, with muted results and he looked heartily hacked off – with life or himself, it wasn't clear which – when he was substituted with Saracens trailing 16-11.
News & Media
But despite the muted results from existing trials, scientists in the field are unfazed.
News & Media
So the evaluation properly compared the changes in both to see where improvements in the intervention area might be greater a "difference-in-difference" analysis which produced the more muted results.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
Ellipsometry results indicate that the muted effect for ultralow MW PS made by FRP originates mainly from a weaker perturbation to Tg near the free surface.
Science
The result is a rather muted effect.
News & Media
A similar 2-AI compound with negligible anti-biofilm activity was used as a comparative control and produced muted electrochemical results.
Science
As a result, previous mergers have had a muted effect on ticket prices, especially on routes served by low-fare carriers.
News & Media
Finally, in the modified TH2 response, downstream effects of the normal TH2 responses are muted and result in an increase of noncomplement fixing IgG4 and IL-10 [ 16, 33, 34].
The other big Arab player in the peace process, Saudi Arabia, was notably more muted about the results of Secretary Powell's mission.
News & Media
But Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, which paid for the development and testing of the vaccine, called the results "muted good news".
News & Media
While legal challenges to the system will be more muted as a result of this verdict, it is unlikely that Hamdan's defenders will be persuaded not to pursue their many, valid complaints about a system which, as Charles Swift explained today, remains nothing more than "a made-up tribunal to try anybody we don't like".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "muted results", ensure the context clearly indicates what the expected results were. This provides a stronger contrast and highlights the subdued nature of the actual outcome. For example, "Despite high expectations, the trial yielded muted results."
Common error
Avoid using "muted results" when the actual outcome is strongly negative. "Muted" suggests a reduction or softening, not a complete failure. Instead, consider alternatives like "failed", "unsuccessful", or "negative results".
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "muted results" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "muted" modifies the noun "results", indicating that the results are subdued, lessened, or not as pronounced as anticipated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "muted results" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe outcomes that are less impactful than expected. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. While alternatives like "subdued outcomes" or "limited impact" exist, "muted results" provides a specific nuance of softened or reduced intensity. Remember to use it when describing outcomes that are noticeably less significant, but not entirely unsuccessful, and ensure your context provides a clear contrast against initial expectations. The phrase appears more commonly in news media and scientific publications.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
subdued outcomes
Replaces "results" with "outcomes", while "subdued" conveys a similar sense of reduced intensity.
understated findings
Substitutes "muted" with "understated" and "results" with "findings", both implying a lack of emphasis or prominence.
modest effects
Uses "modest" instead of "muted" and "effects" instead of "results", indicating a limited or restrained impact.
limited impact
Focuses on the limited degree of influence or effect, rather than the subdued nature of the results themselves.
restrained consequences
Emphasizes the controlled or limited nature of the outcomes or effects.
lackluster performance
Shifts the focus to the quality of performance, portraying it as uninspired or deficient.
weak showing
Indicates a poor or inadequate display of performance, suggesting a failure to meet expectations.
disappointing figures
Highlights the disappointing nature of numerical data or statistics.
inconclusive data
Suggests that the information gathered is not definitive or decisive, leading to uncertain results.
marginal gains
Implies that the improvements or benefits achieved are very small or insignificant.
FAQs
What does "muted results" mean?
The phrase "muted results" refers to outcomes or findings that are subdued, less pronounced, or not as impactful as initially expected. It suggests a softening or reduction in the strength or effect of something.
How can I use "muted results" in a sentence?
You can use "muted results" to describe various scenarios where the outcome is less impressive than anticipated. For example: "The new policy had "modest effects"" or "The changes in the market had "little impact"."
What are some alternatives to "muted results"?
Alternatives to "muted results" include phrases like "subdued outcomes", "understated findings", "limited impact", or ""modest effects"", depending on the specific context.
Is "muted results" formal or informal language?
"Muted results" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, scientific papers, and general discussions to describe outcomes that are not as strong as expected.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested