slightly decent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly decent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat acceptable or satisfactory, but not outstanding. Example: "The food at the new restaurant was slightly decent, but I've had better meals elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

How is it these books with even a slightly decent depiction of autism are two minor characters in long series?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An accomplished trouble-shooter and veteran of the Balkan wars, he has staked his reputation on his ability to transform the province, using every political and economic trick in the book, into a slightly more decent place.

The Economist

In later life, his songs were like him: benevolent, lyrical, slightly overweight, decent and well-meaning.In 1939 his opera "Into the Storm", based on a heavyweight novel by Nikolai Virta, was the first in which Lenin appeared as a character on the stage.

The Economist

But it feels like in 2016 the Year of the Fuck Up being slightly more decent to one another is, at least, a start.

Vice

But it feels like in 2016 – The Year of the Fuck Up – being slightly more decent to each other is, at least, a start.

Vice

The Karratha International hotel has pricey motel-style rooms slightly mitigated by decent pizzas by the pool at weekends.

The Guardian - Travel

The Bush senior that emerges is the conventional image of the man: decent, slightly uncomfortable with family intimacy, a patrician in his ways.

Independent

The role is of a piece with the ones for which Freeman is most famous – decent, slightly lost, resolutely normal and nice.

The Guardian

More generally, beyond Labour's half-decent, slightly staid policy platform, has anything Miliband and other party figures have done over the past four years indicated a deep understanding of the huge crisis besetting Labour politics?

The Guardian - Opinion

The amiable, chatty staff also pour decent, if slightly one-dimensional, coffee.

The Guardian - Travel

(Legend: he wrote a miniature masterpiece. "For sale: baby shoes, never worn". Slightly sappy, but a decent sixer).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slightly decent", ensure the context clarifies what standard of quality or acceptability you are referencing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly decent" when a more enthusiastic description is warranted. If something is truly good or excellent, using this phrase may unintentionally diminish its perceived value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly decent" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It indicates a level of quality that is above average but not exceptional. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to express a mild form of approval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly decent" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that is moderately acceptable or satisfactory, but not particularly remarkable. According to Ludwig, it functions as a compound adjective that tempers expectations. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it maintains a neutral register and can be used in a variety of situations where a balanced assessment is needed. To avoid overstating the positive, be mindful of the context in which you use it. If you need other ways to express your ideas, you may consider phrases like "somewhat acceptable" or "moderately good".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slightly satisfactory

Replaces "decent" with satisfactory. Retains 'slightly' modifier

somewhat acceptable

Replaces both words with synonyms expressing mild agreement.

fairly adequate

Substitutes "decent" with "adequate" to suggest meeting a minimum requirement.

moderately good

Replaces "decent" with "good" and modifies it with "moderately" indicating a limited level of quality.

passably satisfactory

Uses "passably" to convey a sense of just meeting the requirements for satisfaction.

marginally acceptable

Indicates something barely meets the criteria for acceptance.

a bit reasonable

Employs "reasonable" to suggest a moderate level of adequacy.

not bad

An informal way of saying something is acceptable though not exceptional.

somewhat tolerable

Suggests something is acceptable but not necessarily enjoyable.

kind of okay

Informal way to indicate a minimal level of acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly decent" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly decent" to describe something that is acceptable but not outstanding, such as "The food at the restaurant was "slightly decent", but I've had better."

What's a more formal way to say "slightly decent"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "moderately acceptable" or "somewhat satisfactory" which convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

When is it appropriate to use "slightly decent"?

It is appropriate to use "slightly decent" when you want to express that something meets a minimum standard or is just good enough, without being particularly impressive or exceptional.

Is "slightly decent" a positive or negative description?

It's generally a neutral description with a slightly positive leaning. It suggests something is okay or acceptable, but not remarkably good. It's more positive than "slightly bad" or "not decent".