not devoid of shortcomings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not devoid of shortcomings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has flaws or limitations, while also suggesting that it has some positive aspects. Example: "While the proposal has some innovative ideas, it is not devoid of shortcomings that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The definition is not devoid of meaning.

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But they were not devoid of drama.

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We're not devoid of reality.

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"The syllabus is not devoid of content.

The Guardian

Also, the warehouse update is not devoid of failures.

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However, these youngsters were not devoid of political consciousness either.

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BLT Burger is a place not devoid of pleasures.

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The series is not devoid of actual information.

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"Tributary" is a solid if light piece, soft neo-classicism devoid of difficult steps but not devoid of energetic passages.

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But the yelling is not devoid of purpose.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not devoid of shortcomings" when you want to acknowledge imperfections while still implying that something has merit or value. This balanced approach is useful in objective analyses.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple negatives. While "not devoid of shortcomings" is acceptable, phrases with more negatives can become confusing and weaken your writing. Opt for simpler, more direct phrasing when possible, such as "has limitations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not devoid of shortcomings" functions as a hedge, softening criticism by acknowledging imperfections without outright condemnation. It implies a balanced assessment, recognizing both positive and negative aspects. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not devoid of shortcomings" is a grammatically sound way to acknowledge imperfections while still implying value or merit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in English. It functions as a hedge, softening criticism and providing a nuanced evaluation. While the phrase isn't particularly common, choosing suitable alternative phrases like "has some limitations" or "not without flaws" depends largely on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has some limitations

Focuses on the presence of limitations.

not without flaws

Emphasizes the existence of flaws.

has its weaknesses

Highlights the presence of weaknesses.

imperfect

A more direct way of saying something is not without faults.

has areas for improvement

Focuses on the potential for betterment.

could be better

Suggests that there is room for improvement.

not perfect

States directly that something is not without faults.

has some disadvantages

Highlights the negative aspects.

not entirely satisfactory

Indicates that there are elements that are not completely acceptable.

has certain drawbacks

Focuses on negative aspects or limitations.

FAQs

How can I use "not devoid of shortcomings" in a sentence?

You can use "not devoid of shortcomings" to acknowledge that something has flaws while also recognizing its positive aspects. For example, "While the proposal has some innovative ideas, it is not devoid of shortcomings that need to be addressed."

What are some alternatives to "not devoid of shortcomings"?

Alternatives include "has some limitations", "not without flaws", or "imperfect", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "not devoid of shortcomings" or "has shortcomings"?

"Has shortcomings" is more direct. Use "not devoid of shortcomings" when you want to soften the criticism, implying that despite the flaws, there are still positive qualities.

What does "not devoid of shortcomings" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject has both positive and negative qualities. It is a way of acknowledging weaknesses without completely dismissing the subject's value.