problematic at best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic at best" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or issue that is only marginally acceptable or has significant flaws. Example: "The proposed solution to the issue is problematic at best, as it fails to address the root causes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

But the economics of mega-skyscrapers are problematic at best.

The New Yorker

And the Taliban era was, of course, problematic at best.

The New York Times

His personal life may be problematic at best, but on stage, he's simply undeniable.

The Guardian

They described the intelligence as problematic at best, but said intelligence agencies were engaged in a hard task.

The New York Times

They argue that it is loaded with loopholes and upends a system that is already working, replacing it with one that is problematic at best.

The New York Times

The trio of warnings he has issued about possible terrorist attacks, without specifying where or when attacks might occur, are problematic at best.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Consequentially, to treat those times when we hate as invalid or to treat them as only acceptable if directed at certain others, are both problematic approaches at best and actively dangerous at worst.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gauging the influence of an online community or to claim one group is better than another is at best problematic and at worst divisive.

The Guardian

After decades of market-oriented reforms of human services, there is plenty of evidence to show that for-profit provision of such services is at best problematic, and at worst disastrous.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, for whites to try to appropriate a music so deeply bound to black American aesthetics, values and experiences is at best problematic and can be insulting.

The New York Times - Arts

Florida's (and Michigan's) votes in January's rogue primaries were indeed counted, and everyone understood well in advance that the question of how they would be translated into delegates was, at best, problematic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "problematic at best" to express that something has significant issues or is only marginally acceptable, implying a cautious or critical assessment. For example, "The proposed solution is "problematic at best", requiring further refinement before implementation."

Common error

Avoid using "problematic at best" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, consider more precise language to convey the specific nature of the problem, such as "questionable" or "unsubstantiated", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic at best" functions as an evaluative adjective phrase. It qualifies a noun or situation, indicating that it is flawed or questionable, but not entirely unacceptable. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in assessing various topics, ranging from political strategies to scientific interpretations. It suggests a measured critique, acknowledging some value while highlighting significant issues.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problematic at best" is a commonly used evaluative expression indicating that something is flawed or questionable, yet not entirely unacceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best to use this phrase to temper criticism, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. While acceptable in formal writing, consider more specific language for precision. Alternative phrases include "questionable at best" or "dubious at best". Use the phrase judiciously to provide nuanced evaluations across various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

questionable in the most favorable light

Emphasizes doubt and uncertainty, focusing on the optimistic viewpoint.

dubious under ideal circumstances

Highlights the uncertainty even when conditions are optimal.

tenuous when viewed positively

Suggests weakness and fragility, even with a generous interpretation.

flawed from a charitable perspective

Highlights imperfections even with a sympathetic evaluation.

imperfect under the best conditions

Directly addresses the presence of flaws even when conditions are ideal.

inadequate even optimistically

Focuses on a lack of suitability or effectiveness, even with positive assumptions.

deficient at its finest

Suggests a fundamental lack of something necessary, even in the best instances.

less than ideal when seen favorably

Underlines that something does not reach an acceptable standard, even with a positive spin.

not entirely satisfactory even positively

Highlights that something is not good enough, even with positive assumptions.

suboptimal in a positive scenario

Indicates that something is not the best or most effective, even in an advantageous situation.

FAQs

How can I use "problematic at best" in a sentence?

You can use "problematic at best" to describe situations, solutions, or ideas that have serious flaws or are only marginally acceptable. For example, "Their approach to the problem was "problematic at best", and a new strategy was needed."

What can I say instead of "problematic at best"?

You can use alternatives like "questionable at best", "dubious at best", or "flawed at best" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "problematic at best" in formal writing?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise language that clearly specifies the nature and extent of the issue. Alternatives like "tenuous" or "unsubstantiated" might be more appropriate.

What does "problematic at best" imply?

It implies that something is not entirely wrong but has significant issues, flaws, or shortcomings, making it only marginally acceptable. It suggests a cautious or critical evaluation rather than outright rejection. If it's a really serious flaw then the word "dangerous at worst" should be considered.