less than stellar
Not particularly impressive
Less than stellar describes something disappointing or mediocre—falling short of excellence.
The phrase uses understatement for mild criticism: The restaurant's reviews were less than stellar.
Stellar literally means relating to stars, so less than stellar suggests something that fails to shine.
Often appears in professional contexts where direct negativity would be impolite: His performance this quarter has been less than stellar.
- submarginalBelow minimum acceptable level
- substandardBelow required quality
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- underwhelmingFailing to meet expectations
- nothing to write home aboutUnworthy of special mention
middling · so so · lackluster · uninspired · subpar · fell flat · let down · inferior · passable · unremarkable · could be better · unsatisfactory · average · disappointing · missed the mark · deficient · inadequate · second-rate
less than stellarstellar
Of or like celestial bodies
excellent · outstanding · exceptional · superb · first-rate
less than stellarabove and beyond
Exceeding normal expectations
beyond reproach · up to par · satisfactory · up to snuff · hitting the mark
less, lesser, lessen, lessened, lessening, least, than, stellar, star