not good at

USAGE SUMMARY

"not good at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has difficulty with a particular task or skill. Example sentence: "I'm not good at playing pool, so I tend to avoid it when I'm out with friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not good at all.

The New York Times

I'm not good at compromising.

Independent

I'm not good at systems.

The New York Times

"I'm not good at math".

The New Yorker

I'm not good at multitasking".

The New Yorker

I'm not good at it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not good at blending".

The New York Times

It's not good at all".

The New York Times

"That's not good at all".

The New York Times - Sports

I am not good at breathing.

The New Yorker

But I'm not good at dialogue.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not good at", be specific about the skill or activity you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I'm not good at it", specify "I'm not good at playing the guitar."

Common error

Avoid using "not good at" as a blanket statement about your abilities. Instead, pinpoint specific areas where you struggle to demonstrate self-awareness and foster targeted improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not good at" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by indicating a lack of skill or proficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable way to express difficulty with a particular task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not good at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a lack of skill or proficiency, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to be specific about the skill you're referencing and avoid overgeneralization. Consider using alternatives like "struggle with" or "lack proficiency in" for variety. Being upfront about what you are "not good at" can open conversations that allow you to improve, so be specific, self-aware, and focus on growth!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not adept at

Indicates a lack of natural ability or skill.

not skilled in

Directly states a lack of skill or expertise.

not competent in

States a lack of required skills or knowledge.

have difficulty with

Highlights the challenges encountered while performing an action.

lack proficiency in

Emphasizes a formal lack of competence or mastery.

weak in

Highlights area of weakness or deficiency.

struggle with

Focuses on the difficulty experienced when attempting something.

have a hard time with

Focuses on the difficulty experienced when attempting something.

not cut out for

Suggests that someone is not naturally suited or equipped for a task.

find it challenging to

Emphasizes the demanding or difficult nature of a task.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not good at" in a more positive way?

Instead of saying "I'm not good at math", try "I'm still developing my skills in math" or "I find math challenging, but I'm working on it" to convey a growth mindset.

What are some common things people say they're "not good at"?

Common examples include saying they are "not good at" math, public speaking, remembering names, or "expressing themselves".

Is it better to focus on what I'm good at or what I'm "not good at"?

It's beneficial to focus on both. Identifying strengths allows you to capitalize on them, while acknowledging weaknesses lets you seek support or improve in areas where you're "not good at".

What's the difference between "not good at" and "bad at"?

While similar, "not good at" can sound slightly less harsh than "bad at". Both express a lack of skill, but "not good at" might imply more room for improvement.