Not bad
adjective
Fair or good, but not very good.
I think your performance was not bad, but you need improvement.
Often appears as...
- not a bad idea
- not looking bad
adjective
Used to express approval or agreement.
I've seen her latest painting, it's not bad!
Often appears as...
- not bad at all
- not half bad
Usage tips
Approving
adverb
Reasonably, fairly, to a certain extent.
He runs not bad for a guy his age.
Often appears as...
- not doing bad
- not performing bad
adjective
Fair or good, but not very good.
I think your performance was not bad, but you need improvement.
Often appears as...
- not a bad idea
- not looking bad
adjective
Used to express approval or agreement.
I've seen her latest painting, it's not bad!
Often appears as...
- not bad at all
- not half bad
Usage tips
Approving
adverb
Reasonably, fairly, to a certain extent.
He runs not bad for a guy his age.
Often appears as...
- not doing bad
- not performing bad
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Approval
It indicates some approval but suggests there's room for improvement or excellence hasn't been reached.
Your essay was not bad, perhaps with a bit more research it could be great.
Pro Tip 2/3Calm Enthusiasm
Expresses a composed, rather than overly excited, form of admiration or satisfaction.
The weather today is not bad at all for a picnic.
Pro Tip 3/3Humble Reaction
Often used to modestly accept a compliment without appearing arrogant.
Thanks! I think my baking is not bad.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Approval
It indicates some approval but suggests there's room for improvement or excellence hasn't been reached.
Your essay was not bad, perhaps with a bit more research it could be great.
Pro Tip 2/3Calm Enthusiasm
Expresses a composed, rather than overly excited, form of admiration or satisfaction.
The weather today is not bad at all for a picnic.
Pro Tip 3/3Humble Reaction
Often used to modestly accept a compliment without appearing arrogant.
Thanks! I think my baking is not bad.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Approval
It indicates some approval but suggests there's room for improvement or excellence hasn't been reached.
Your essay was not bad, perhaps with a bit more research it could be great.
Pro Tip 2/3Calm Enthusiasm
Expresses a composed, rather than overly excited, form of admiration or satisfaction.
The weather today is not bad at all for a picnic.
Pro Tip 3/3Humble Reaction
Often used to modestly accept a compliment without appearing arrogant.
Thanks! I think my baking is not bad.
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