leaves something to be desired
Not quite satisfactory
To leave something to be desired is to fall short of expectations or standards—to be inadequate or disappointing in some way.
The phrase is diplomatic understatement, often softening criticism: The hotel was fine, but the service left something to be desired.
Her punctuality leaves a lot to be desired means she's frequently late.
- unsatisfactoryNot good enough
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- lacklusterLacking brilliance or vitality
- disappointedLet down by outcome
- underwhelmedFeeling letdown by something
not up to par · deficient · subpar · below expectations · mediocre · could be better · flawed · ameliorate · rectify · lacking · quality · imperfect · frustrated · falls short · wanting · let down · missed the mark · discontented
leaves something to be desiredexceeds expectations
Performs above projected levels
hits the mark · meets expectations · fires on all cylinders · nails it · passes muster
leaves, leaving, leaver, leavers, something, things, desire, desired, desires