not exactly well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not exactly well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is not entirely positive or satisfactory. Example: "After the meeting, I felt not exactly well about the decisions made regarding the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That generation remains very much alive, though not exactly "well".

The New York Times

He is respected if not exactly well liked in the jockeys' room.

The New York Times - Sports

The patient — that is to say, his reputation — is still alive, if not exactly well.

The New Yorker

I was surprised to discover that Algerians were not exactly well received and welcome.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Redgrave was perceived as a big supporter of Palestinians – not exactly well received in Hollywood – and yet she won.

The Guardian - Film

Myer The Australian department store's "Big Is Beautiful" show, which was held during Sydney's Fashion Festival, was not exactly well received.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Note that this accusation algorithm is not exactly well-defined, since it is possible that a user appears both in a tuple that is accused and in a tuple that is not accused.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

And stories abound that the fans are not exactly well-behaved.

Vice

Intenseper simple, thactionhe whole point".

Vice

But these elected representatives aren't exactly, well, representative are they?

The Guardian - Money

To be clear, the GDP isn't exactly well documented.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not exactly well" to soften criticism or express a nuanced opinion about a situation that isn't completely negative, but isn't entirely positive either.

Common error

Avoid using "not exactly well" excessively in professional or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound understated or vague. Instead, opt for more precise language that clearly conveys the specific issue or concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not exactly well" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a state or condition that is less than satisfactory. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in softening judgments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not exactly well" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that conveys a state or condition that is less than ideal. As indicated by Ludwig, it's often used to soften criticism or express nuanced opinions. While versatile, its use should be carefully considered in formal contexts where more precise language might be preferable. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, reflecting its neutral register and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not in the best shape

Focuses on physical or metaphorical condition rather than a general sense of well-being.

less than thriving

Emphasizes a lack of prosperity or robust health.

not particularly flourishing

Highlights a lack of vigorous growth or success.

somewhat unwell

Directly addresses a state of being unhealthy to some degree.

not completely sound

Suggests something is slightly damaged or imperfect.

a bit under the weather

An idiomatic expression for feeling mildly ill.

not entirely in good health

Formally states that someone's health is compromised.

doing poorly

Describes a state of decline or failure in a specific area.

in less than optimal condition

Highlights a situation that is not at its peak performance.

struggling somewhat

Indicates difficulty in managing or coping with circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "not exactly well" to describe something that isn't completely satisfactory or positive, such as, "The project is progressing, but it's "not exactly well" received by the stakeholders."

What are some alternatives to "not exactly well"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not so well", "not entirely well", or "not in the best shape", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "not exactly well" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "not exactly well" may sound too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more precise language to clearly convey your meaning.

What's the difference between "not exactly well" and "not very well"?

"Not exactly well" suggests a more nuanced or subtle deficiency than "not very well". "Not very well" indicates a more pronounced lack of quality or success.