not doing well

USAGE SUMMARY

"not doing well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is not performing or functioning at their/its best. Here are some examples: 1. "Samantha's grades are not doing well this semester. She might need to seek extra help from her teachers." 2. "The economy is not doing well due to the recent recession." 3. "I'm afraid our team is not doing well in the tournament. We need to step up our game." 4. "The new hire is not doing well in their role. Perhaps they need more training." 5. "The sick cat is not doing well despite our best efforts to nurse it back to health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brooks was not doing well.

The New York Times

"They are not doing well.

The Guardian

She's not doing well.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Detroit Tigers are not doing well.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not doing well," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's not doing well," she said.

The New York Times

He was not doing well in anything.

The New Yorker

The dog was not doing well.

The New York Times

"Because we're not doing well.

The Guardian

Evnin was not doing well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Zimmerman's "not doing well emotionally," Uhrig said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not doing well", consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation's nuance. Be mindful of potential understatement or overstatement.

Common error

While "not doing well" is common, avoid overuse in formal or business writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "underperforming" or "experiencing difficulties" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not doing well" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating a lack of success, progress, or well-being. As Ludwig highlights, it is a common phrase used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not doing well" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of success, progress, or well-being. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While appropriate for general conversation, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal settings. Consider alternative phrases such as "struggling" or "underperforming" to fine-tune the message. Overall, understanding the context is key to effectively using this common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struggling

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in trying to succeed.

not succeeding

Emphasizes the lack of success in a particular endeavor.

underperforming

Specifically indicates performance below expectations.

falling short

Highlights a failure to achieve a desired outcome.

having difficulties

A more general and euphemistic way to describe problems.

not up to par

Implies falling short of a required standard or level.

failing to thrive

Focuses on a lack of positive development or growth.

not in good shape

Implicates poor condition or health, whether literal or figurative.

experiencing setbacks

Focuses on temporary impediments to progress.

in a bad way

Suggests a serious or critical condition.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "not doing well"?

When someone says they are "not doing well", it generally means they are experiencing difficulties, are in poor health, or are facing challenges that prevent them from succeeding or being happy. The specific meaning can vary depending on the context.

What are some alternative phrases for "not doing well"?

You can use alternatives like "failing to thrive", "underperforming", or "struggling" depending on the context.

How can I use "not doing well" in a sentence?

You can use "not doing well" to describe a person's health, a team's performance, a company's financial situation, or any other situation where progress or success is lacking. For example: "The patient is not doing well after the surgery" or "The company's sales are not doing well this quarter."

Is it better to say "not doing well" or "not doing good"?

"Not doing well" is the grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrase. "Not doing good" is generally considered incorrect in standard English, although it may be used in some informal contexts or regional dialects.