not perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

"not perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not quite as one could expect it to be, or that something is not flawless. Example sentence: This recipe is not perfect, but it still tastes delicious.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, it's not perfect.

The New York Times

It was not perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not perfect.

The Economist

He's not perfect".

The New York Times - Sports

"Everyone is not perfect.

Independent

"Channing Tatum's not perfect.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, it's not perfect.

The New Yorker

But I'm not perfect.

The New Yorker

Paterno was not perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything is not perfect.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's not perfect".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not perfect", specify the areas or aspects that are imperfect to provide a clearer understanding and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not perfect" as a standalone critique without providing specific examples. This can sound dismissive and unhelpful. Instead, follow up with details about what could be improved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not perfect" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something or someone does not meet the standard of perfection. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is commonly used to acknowledge imperfections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not perfect" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that acknowledges the presence of flaws or shortcomings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and applicable in a wide range of contexts. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news and media, as well as academic writing, with a neutral register that makes it accessible across different audiences. When employing "not perfect", it's beneficial to specify the nature of the imperfection, moving beyond a general statement to provide constructive feedback. Alternatives such as "imperfect" or "less than ideal" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis. The phrase, while simple, serves an important communicative purpose: to temper expectations and offer a balanced assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

imperfect

A single-word adjective that directly conveys the absence of perfection.

less than ideal

Replaces "not perfect" with a more formal term, emphasizing the sub-optimal nature of something.

less than flawless

Highlights the absence of flawlessness, often used for emphasis.

has its flaws

Focuses on the existence of imperfections rather than a general lack of perfection.

somewhat flawed

Highlights the presence of flaws but suggests they might not be severe.

not without its faults

Emphasizes the presence of faults as an inherent aspect.

sub-optimal

A more technical and formal way of saying something is not at its best.

could be better

Suggests room for improvement without explicitly stating imperfection.

has room for improvement

Focuses on the potential for betterment, implying current imperfection.

leaves something to be desired

Indicates that something is lacking or not fully satisfactory.

FAQs

How can I use "not perfect" in a sentence?

You can use "not perfect" to describe something that has flaws or is less than ideal. For example, "This plan is "not perfect", but it's a good starting point".

What are some alternatives to saying "not perfect"?

Alternatives include "less than ideal", "imperfect", or "has its flaws", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not perfect"?

Yes, the phrase "not perfect" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express that something isn't flawless.

What does it mean when something is described as "not perfect"?

It means the subject in question has shortcomings, flaws, or areas where it could be improved. It acknowledges that while it may be functional or good, it's not without its faults. It is similar to saying "has room for improvement".