Little/no better than
phrase
Almost as bad as; slightly improved but still unsatisfactory.
Her performance was little better than last week's catastrophe.
Often appears as...
- situation is little better than
- performance was little better than
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To consider one thing or person as bad or inferior as another.
He thought studying literature was no better than reading comic books.
Often appears as...
- he's no better than
- it's no better than
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Almost as bad as; slightly improved but still unsatisfactory.
Her performance was little better than last week's catastrophe.
Often appears as...
- situation is little better than
- performance was little better than
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To consider one thing or person as bad or inferior as another.
He thought studying literature was no better than reading comic books.
Often appears as...
- he's no better than
- it's no better than
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizes Discontent
Use when emphasizing dissatisfaction with minor improvements.
The service in this café is little better than last time, still slow and unattentive.
Pro Tip 2/3Comparative Negativity
Highlights a negative comparison to a barely superior reference point.
The sequel was little better than the original movie, with only minor tweaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not a Compliment
Don't mistake it for praise; it implies remaining problems.
His apology was little better than his original comment, still rude and lacking sincerity.
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizes Discontent
Use when emphasizing dissatisfaction with minor improvements.
The service in this café is little better than last time, still slow and unattentive.
Pro Tip 2/3Comparative Negativity
Highlights a negative comparison to a barely superior reference point.
The sequel was little better than the original movie, with only minor tweaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not a Compliment
Don't mistake it for praise; it implies remaining problems.
His apology was little better than his original comment, still rude and lacking sincerity.
Pro Tip 1/3Emphasizes Discontent
Use when emphasizing dissatisfaction with minor improvements.
The service in this café is little better than last time, still slow and unattentive.
Pro Tip 2/3Comparative Negativity
Highlights a negative comparison to a barely superior reference point.
The sequel was little better than the original movie, with only minor tweaks.
Pro Tip 3/3Not a Compliment
Don't mistake it for praise; it implies remaining problems.
His apology was little better than his original comment, still rude and lacking sincerity.
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