sufficient mediocrity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficient mediocrity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a level of mediocrity that is adequate or acceptable for a particular purpose or context. Example: "The project was completed with sufficient mediocrity, meeting the basic requirements but lacking any standout features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I lack sufficient mediocrity".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Unfortunately, mediocrity breeds mediocrity.

The New York Times

Mediocrity is something else.

The New York Times - Sports

"Satisfaction is mediocrity.

The New Yorker

West mired in mediocrity.

The New York Times - Sports

That's mediocrity.

The New York Times

And apart from mediocrity?

Independent

The mediocrity is stifling.

The New Yorker

Mediocrity is rewarded.

Independent

Hua sees only mediocrity.

The New York Times

So, they meander into mediocrity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufficient mediocrity" when you want to describe a situation where a lack of excellence is not necessarily a problem, but rather an adequate or acceptable state. It can be used ironically or critically to point out lowered expectations or standards.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficient mediocrity" too frequently, as it can sound repetitive or overly critical. Opt for more nuanced language to describe the specific shortcomings or areas for improvement instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficient mediocrity" functions as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("sufficient") with a noun ("mediocrity"). It modifies the noun, indicating a particular degree or amount of mediocrity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. The examples show that this expression is suitable to expose something that barely satisfies a requirement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sufficient mediocrity" is a grammatically correct descriptor combining "sufficient" and "mediocrity". Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to express something that barely meets requirements. It is used to critically assess situations where something is just adequate, lacking excellence and is more likely to be found in News & Media. While grammatically sound, it's a relatively rare phrase. When writing, use "sufficient mediocrity" to describe something only 'good enough', but be mindful of the potentially negative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adequate level of mediocrity

Replaces "sufficient" with "adequate", focusing on an acceptable amount of mediocrity.

acceptable degree of mediocrity

Substitutes "sufficient" with "acceptable", highlighting the tolerability of the mediocrity.

requisite mediocrity

Replaces "sufficient" with "requisite", indicating the mediocrity is necessary for a specific purpose.

tolerable mediocrity

Highlights that the mediocrity is bearable but not necessarily desirable.

just enough mediocrity

Indicates the presence of mediocrity is limited to only what is needed.

the necessary mediocrity

Focuses on the idea that some level of mediocrity is unavoidable or essential in a given situation.

bare minimum of mediocrity

Emphasizes that only the smallest amount of mediocrity is present or required.

a modicum of mediocrity

Replaces "sufficient" with "a modicum of", indicating a small quantity of mediocrity.

satisfactory level of inadequacy

Shifts the focus slightly to inadequacy, but still conveys the idea of meeting a basic requirement.

enough ordinariness

Replaces "mediocrity" with "ordinariness", emphasizing the lack of exceptional qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficient mediocrity" in a sentence?

You can use "sufficient mediocrity" to describe something that meets the minimum requirements but lacks excellence, such as: "The project was completed with "sufficient mediocrity", fulfilling the basic criteria but offering nothing exceptional."

What are some alternatives to "sufficient mediocrity"?

Alternatives include "adequate mediocrity", "acceptable mediocrity", or "tolerable mediocrity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sufficient mediocrity" a positive or negative term?

"Sufficient mediocrity" is generally a negative term, implying that something is not very good. However, it can also be used humorously or ironically to acknowledge that something is 'good enough' even if it's not outstanding.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sufficient mediocrity"?

Use "sufficient mediocrity" when you want to pointedly describe a situation where the standard achieved is merely adequate and lacks any notable qualities, often implying a sense of disappointment or resignation.