leaves much to be desired
Not good enough
Leaves much to be desired means falls short of expectations or standards—is unsatisfactory or inadequate.
The phrase is a polite understatement for criticism: The hotel's cleanliness leaves much to be desired.
Often appears in formal evaluations or diplomatic assessments where direct criticism would seem harsh.
The opposite, leaves nothing to be desired, means something is entirely satisfactory.
- unsatisfactoryNot good enough
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- flatLacking vertical variation
- deficientHaving too little
- below parInferior to expectations
not up to scratch · weak · disappointing · lacking · wanting · substandard · dull · letdown · missed the mark · mediocre · subpar · unimpressive · poor · underwhelming · nothing to write home about · limp · falls short · unsuitable
leaves much to be desiredexceeds expectations
Performs above projected levels
outstanding · excellent · superb · exceptional · top-notch
leaves, leaving, leaver, leavers, desire, desires, desired, desiring, desirable