Other Ways to Say “Average” (with Meanings & Examples)
In English, we don’t always describe things as good or bad. Very often, something is simply average — not terrible, not impressive, just… fine. Native speakers rarely repeat the word average, though. Instead, they use a wide range of adjectives and idiomatic expressions to express this idea more naturally. In this lesson, you will learn other ways to say “average”, from neutral adjectives to informal idioms. These expressions are perfect for everyday conversation, writing tasks, and Cambridge B2–C1 exams.
Acceptable
Meaning: Good enough for a particular purpose, though not ideal or impressive.
- All students who reach an acceptable level may apply for the scholarship.
- The plan wasn’t perfect, but the manager decided it was acceptable.
Adequate
Meaning: Sufficient or satisfactory, but not particularly good.
- The hotel was basic but perfectly adequate for a short stay.
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of food and water.
Decent
Meaning: Of a satisfactory or reasonable standard.
- She has a decent job with a decent salary.
- For that price, I expect a decent hotel room.
Middling
Meaning: Average in ability, quality, or size; neither good nor bad.
- Despite years of practice, he remained a pianist of middling ability.
- “How strong do you want your coffee?” — “Middling.”
Tolerable
Meaning: Acceptable, but only just; not very good.
- The accommodation was barely tolerable.
- The flat is too small, but tolerable for now.
Passable
Meaning: Satisfactory, but not impressive or excellent.
- The food was excellent, but the service was passable.
- She speaks passable French.
Nothing to write home about
Meaning: Ordinary and unremarkable; not worth special attention.
- The film was okay, but nothing to write home about.
- His new flat is fine, but the interior is nothing to write home about.
A dime a dozen
Meaning: Very common and easy to find; not special.
- Romantic comedies like that are a dime a dozen.
- Jobs like these are a dime a dozen these days.
Common or garden
Meaning: Completely ordinary; nothing special. (mostly British English)
- It’s a common or garden car, but it runs well.
- She turned common or garden furniture into something stylish.
Run-of-the-mill
Meaning: Typical, ordinary, and unexciting.
- It wasn’t a run-of-the-mill holiday — it was truly unforgettable.
- His speech was rather run-of-the-mill and forgettable.
English gives you many ways to talk about things that are average, ordinary, or just okay — and choosing the right expression helps you sound more natural and precise. Some of these words are neutral (adequate, decent), while others are more informal or expressive (a dime a dozen, nothing to write home about).
Try using a few of them in your own sentences this week. Once you start noticing them in films, articles, and conversations, you’ll realise just how often native speakers avoid the word average.
Steady progress beats perfection every time. 😊
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2 Comments
M. A. Ahmed · 4 Oct 2022 at 3:10 pm
Very easy to understand, with clear meaning ful sentences which is surprisable
My Lingua Academy · 4 Oct 2022 at 9:56 pm
Great! I’m glad 🙂