no small feat

USAGE SUMMARY

"no small feat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an impressive or difficult accomplishment. For example: Winning the gold medal at the Olympics was no small feat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's no small feat.

The New York Times

No small feat, that.

The New York Times

This is no small feat.

The New York Times

Which is no small feat.

The New York Times - Arts

That is no small feat.

The New York Times - Science

It was no small feat.

The New York Times

No small feat. 5.

The New York Times - Magazine

So no small feat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No small feat for humanity!

The Washington Post

It has been no small feat.

The New York Times

And that is no small feat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no small feat" to subtly acknowledge the difficulty of an achievement, while still emphasizing its positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "no small feat" sarcastically or in situations where genuine appreciation is required. Its understated nature can be misconstrued as insincere if the context demands more overt praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no small feat" functions as an idiomatic expression that understates the significance of an accomplishment, suggesting it was more difficult or impressive than it might appear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

24%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no small feat" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an achievement that was particularly difficult or impressive. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in a variety of contexts, including news articles and academic papers. Its neutral to slightly formal register makes it appropriate for professional and academic settings, and it effectively conveys both admiration and a subtle acknowledgement of the challenges involved. When seeking alternative ways to express this idea, consider phrases like "considerable achievement" or "remarkable accomplishment". Overall, "no small feat" remains a versatile and valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable accomplishment

Highlights the exceptional nature of the accomplishment.

considerable achievement

Emphasizes the achievement itself rather than downplaying the effort.

noteworthy success

Highlights the positive outcome and its importance.

impressive performance

Focuses on the execution and skill involved.

significant undertaking

Focuses on the challenging nature of the task.

monumental task

Highlights the scale and difficulty of the undertaking.

major breakthrough

Implies a sudden and important advancement.

triumph

Conveys a sense of victory over adversity.

laudable effort

Emphasizes the praiseworthiness of the attempt, even if the outcome is uncertain.

something to be proud of

Shifts the focus to the feeling of accomplishment and pride.

FAQs

How can I use "no small feat" in a sentence?

Use "no small feat" to describe an achievement that was difficult or impressive. For example, "Successfully launching the new product in a saturated market was "no small feat"".

What is a synonym for "no small feat"?

Alternatives to "no small feat" include "considerable achievement", "remarkable accomplishment", or "significant undertaking".

Is it appropriate to use "no small feat" in formal writing?

Yes, "no small feat" is appropriate for formal writing. It is frequently used in news articles and academic papers to describe a noteworthy achievement.

What's the difference between "no small feat" and "no mean feat"?

"No small feat" and "no mean feat" are similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. Both phrases indicate that an achievement was difficult or impressive.