not up to scratch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not up to scratch" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something or someone is not meeting expectations or standards. Example: My latest report was not up to scratch, so my boss asked me to make revisions before submitting it to the client.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its risk management was not up to scratch.

The Economist

Our creaking national infrastructure is not up to scratch.

The Guardian

Either it's in a bad area or the house is just not up to scratch.

Independent

Technology firms complain that graduate recruits are not up to scratch.

The Economist

The way you deal with these matters internally is not up to scratch.

The Guardian

"Clearly some decisions were not up to scratch, but this is not a postmortem.

The Guardian

Even for empty calorie thrills, this is not up to scratch.

The Guardian - Film

If they're not up to scratch, then they're given the boot.

The Guardian

I don't think it would probably be a reality because my surfing's not up to scratch.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite years of investment, many public services are still not up to scratch.

The Guardian

Humphrey Lyttelton recalls a spat over one player, whom Martin thought was not up to scratch.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability, avoid overuse in close proximity. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "substandard" or "inadequate" where appropriate.

Common error

While "not up to scratch" is widely understood, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal or technical writing, consider using more precise language to avoid any ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not up to scratch" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something fails to meet a required standard of quality or performance. Ludwig AI identifies this usage as correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not up to scratch" is a commonly used adjectival phrase that signifies something fails to meet the required standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal business and general conversations. While versatile, it's advisable to consider the audience and opt for more precise language in highly formal or technical settings. Alternatives such as "substandard", "below par", or "inadequate" can be employed to avoid overuse and enhance clarity. In summary, while "not up to scratch" is broadly acceptable, contextual awareness is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substandard

Implies a failure to meet a minimum quality level; less idiomatic.

below par

Similar in meaning, but commonly used in contexts related to sports or performance.

deficient

Focuses on lacking an essential quality or element.

inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency of something for a particular purpose.

unsatisfactory

Indicates that something doesn't meet expectations or requirements.

lacking

Emphasizes the absence of something necessary or desirable.

poor quality

Directly states the low grade of something.

inferior

Suggests a lower rank or status compared to a standard.

not good enough

Simple and straightforward way to express inadequacy.

falling short

Suggests a failure to reach a specific target or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "not up to scratch" in a sentence?

You can use "not up to scratch" to describe something that doesn't meet the required standard or expectation. For example, "The quality of the work was "not up to scratch", so it needed to be redone."

What are some alternatives to saying "not up to scratch"?

Alternatives include "substandard", "below par", or "inadequate" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance but shares the core meaning.

Is "not up to scratch" formal or informal?

"Not up to scratch" is generally considered informal to neutral. While widely understood, it may not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing. In such cases, a more precise term like "deficient" or "unsatisfactory" could be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something is "not up to scratch"?

When something is "not up to scratch", it means that it doesn't meet the required standard or level of quality. It implies that improvements are needed to reach an acceptable level.