Top 55 Slang For Adequate – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to describing something that is just right, neither too much nor too little, finding the right word can be a challenge. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! Our team at Fluentslang has scoured the depths of the English language to bring you a compilation of the top slang terms for “adequate.” Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or simply want to stay up-to-date with the latest language trends, this listicle is sure to provide you with the perfect words to express adequacy in any situation. Get ready to impress your friends with your linguistic prowess!

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1. A-OK

A-OK is a slang term used to indicate that something is satisfactory or acceptable. It is often used to express approval or agreement.

For example, if someone asks, “Is everything alright?” you might respond, “Yep, everything is A-OK.”
In a conversation about a completed task, someone might say, “I finished the report on time. It’s A-OK.”
A person might reassure someone by saying, “Don’t worry, everything will be A-OK.”

2. Decent

Decent is a slang term used to describe something that is satisfactory or of acceptable quality. It implies that something is neither exceptional nor terrible, but rather falls somewhere in the middle.

For instance, if someone asks, “How was the movie?” you might respond, “It was decent, nothing special.”
In a discussion about a meal, someone might say, “The food was decent, but the service could have been better.”
A person might comment, “I bought this shirt for a decent price, and it fits well.”

3. Alright

Alright is a slang term used to indicate that something is acceptable or satisfactory. It is often used as a casual way to express agreement or approval.

For example, if someone asks, “Can you finish the task by tomorrow?” you might respond, “Alright, I’ll do my best.”
In a conversation about plans, someone might say, “We can meet at 7 pm, does that sound alright?”
A person might reassure someone by saying, “Don’t worry, everything will turn out alright.”

4. Fine

Fine is a slang term used to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory. It implies that something meets the necessary standards or requirements.

For instance, if someone asks, “How was the presentation?” you might respond, “It went fine, no major issues.”
In a discussion about a meal, someone might say, “The food was fine, but the portion size was small.”
A person might comment, “I’m feeling fine, just a bit tired.”

5. Good enough

Good enough is a slang term used to indicate that something meets the minimum requirements or expectations. It implies that while it may not be perfect, it is sufficient for the given purpose.

For example, if someone asks, “Did you finish the project?” you might respond, “Yes, it’s good enough for now.”
In a conversation about a task, someone might say, “We don’t need perfection, just something good enough.”
A person might comment, “The weather is good enough to go for a walk.”

6. OK

This term is used to describe something that is satisfactory or meets the minimum requirements. It can also indicate agreement or approval.

For example, someone might say, “The food at that restaurant was just OK.”
In a conversation, a person might respond with, “OK, let’s move on to the next topic.”
When asked about their day, a person might reply, “It was OK, nothing special.”

7. Passable

This term refers to something that is just good enough or barely satisfactory. It implies that there is room for improvement.

For instance, a student might say, “I didn’t study much, so I think I’ll only get a passable grade.”
In a restaurant review, someone might describe the food as “passable, but not outstanding.”
A person might say, “His singing was passable, but he needs more practice.”

8. Respectable

This term is used to describe something that is considered good or worthy of respect. It implies that the quality is above average.

For example, someone might say, “He did a respectable job on the project.”
When describing a car, a person might say, “It’s a respectable vehicle for its price.”
A teacher might tell a student, “You’ve made respectable progress in your studies.”

9. Serviceable

This term refers to something that is capable of serving its purpose or function. It suggests that the item may not be exceptional, but it gets the job done.

For instance, a person might say, “The old computer is still serviceable, but it’s slow.”
When discussing a used car, someone might say, “It’s not the most stylish, but it’s serviceable.”
A person might describe a basic phone as “serviceable for making calls and texts.”

10. Tolerable

This term is used to describe something that is able to be endured or accepted, despite not being ideal. It suggests that the thing is not particularly good, but it is not terrible either.

For example, someone might say, “The weather today is tolerable, not too hot or cold.”
When discussing a movie, a person might say, “It was tolerable, but I wouldn’t watch it again.”
A person might describe a long wait at the doctor’s office as “tolerable with a good book.”

11. Fairish

This term is used to describe something that is just okay or moderately satisfactory. It suggests that something is not great, but not terrible either.

For example, if someone asks how a movie was, you might respond, “It was fairish. Not amazing, but not terrible either.”
In a discussion about a meal, someone might say, “The food was fairish. It was edible, but nothing special.”
A person might describe their performance in a game as fairish, saying, “I did okay, but I could have done better.”

12. All right

This phrase is used to indicate that something is satisfactory or acceptable. It suggests that something is neither particularly good nor bad.

For instance, if someone asks how your day was, you might respond, “It was all right. Nothing exciting, but nothing terrible either.”
In a conversation about a book, someone might say, “The story was all right. It kept me entertained, but it wasn’t amazing.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their cooking skills, saying, “I can make an all right meal, nothing too fancy.”

13. Barely adequate

This term is used to describe something that is only just enough to meet the minimum requirements or standards. It suggests that something is not quite sufficient or satisfactory.

For example, if someone asks how your equipment is, you might respond, “It’s barely adequate. It gets the job done, but it’s not ideal.”
In a discussion about a performance, someone might say, “The actor’s portrayal was barely adequate. They didn’t fully capture the character.”
A person might describe their knowledge of a subject as barely adequate, saying, “I know enough to get by, but I’m not an expert.”

14. Up to par

This phrase is used to indicate that something meets the expected or required standards. It suggests that something is at the level it should be.

For instance, if someone asks how your work is going, you might respond, “It’s up to par. I’m meeting all the deadlines and producing quality work.”
In a conversation about a sports team, someone might say, “The players’ performance was up to par. They played well and gave their best.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their cooking skills, saying, “I can make a meal that’s up to par. It’s not gourmet, but it’s tasty.”

15. Satisfactory

This term is used to describe something that meets the requirements or expectations. It suggests that something is adequate or sufficient.

For example, if someone asks how a product is, you might respond, “It’s satisfactory. It does what it’s supposed to, but it’s not outstanding.”
In a discussion about a performance, someone might say, “The singer’s voice was satisfactory. They hit the right notes, but lacked emotion.”
A person might describe their knowledge of a subject as satisfactory, saying, “I have a satisfactory understanding of the topic, but there’s always more to learn.”

16. Not bad

This phrase is used to describe something that is better than expected or meets the minimum requirements.

For example, if someone asks, “How was the movie?” a response might be, “Not bad, actually.”
In a review of a restaurant, a customer might say, “The food was not bad, but the service could have been better.”
A friend might compliment your cooking by saying, “This dish is not bad at all!”

17. Good to go

This phrase is used to indicate that something is ready or in a satisfactory state.

For instance, if someone asks if you need any help, you might respond, “No thanks, I’m good to go.”
When a project is completed and ready for presentation, someone might say, “The slides are all set, we’re good to go.”
A friend might ask if you’re ready to leave, and you can reply, “Just let me grab my coat and I’ll be good to go.”

18. Just right

This phrase is used to describe something that is exactly as it should be, neither too much nor too little.

For example, when cooking steak, someone might say, “I like mine medium-rare, so this is just right.”
If a friend asks if the temperature in the room is comfortable, you can say, “Yes, it’s just right.”
When trying on clothes, you might say, “This shirt fits just right, I’ll take it.”

19. Fit for purpose

This phrase is used to describe something that is designed or capable of performing its intended function or meeting a specific need.

For instance, when purchasing a new laptop, a customer might ask, “Is this model fit for purpose?”
In a business context, a manager might assess whether a candidate’s skills are fit for purpose for a particular job.
A friend might comment on a new tool by saying, “This hammer is definitely fit for purpose.”

20. Doing the job

This phrase is used to describe something that is fulfilling its intended function or purpose.

For example, if someone asks about your new car, you might say, “It’s not the fanciest, but it’s doing the job.”
When reviewing a piece of software, a user might comment, “It’s not the most user-friendly, but it’s doing the job.”
If a friend asks how your new phone is, you can reply, “It’s not the latest model, but it’s doing the job.”

21. Meeting the mark

When a task or project is completed satisfactorily or meets the required standards.

For example, “I was worried about my presentation, but I think I met the mark.”
A teacher might say, “Your essay meets the mark for this assignment.”
In a sports context, a coach might comment, “His performance on the field really met the mark today.”

22. Up to scratch

When something or someone meets the minimum requirements or expectations.

For instance, “Her work is always up to scratch.”
A chef might say, “The dish needs more seasoning to be up to scratch.”
In a performance review, a manager might note, “Your performance has been up to scratch this quarter.”

23. Doing the trick

When something or someone is adequate enough to accomplish a task or solve a problem.

For example, “I couldn’t find my screwdriver, but this butter knife is doing the trick.”
A student might say, “I didn’t study much, but cramming the night before the test did the trick.”
In a DIY project, someone might comment, “Using duct tape instead of glue is doing the trick for now.”

24. Decentish

When something or someone is adequate enough, but not particularly impressive or remarkable.

For instance, “The movie was decentish, but I’ve seen better.”
A person might say, “I made a decentish attempt at fixing the leaky faucet.”
In a restaurant review, someone might comment, “The food was decentish, but the service was excellent.”

25. So-so

When something or someone is just okay or average, without standing out in any particular way.

For example, “The party was so-so, nothing really exciting happened.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling so-so today, not great but not terrible either.”
In a review of a book, someone might comment, “The story was so-so, it didn’t really capture my attention.”

26. Middle-of-the-road

This term refers to something that is not exceptional or outstanding, but also not terrible or below average. It describes something that is moderate or average in quality.

For example, a person might say, “The movie was okay, but it was pretty middle-of-the-road.”
In a discussion about a restaurant, someone might comment, “The food was decent, but the service was middle-of-the-road.”
A reviewer might describe a book as, “A middle-of-the-road thriller that didn’t stand out from others in the genre.”

27. Mediocre

This word describes something that is not very good or impressive. It suggests that something is average or ordinary in quality and does not stand out.

For instance, a person might say, “The performance was mediocre at best.”
In a conversation about a restaurant, someone might comment, “The food was mediocre and not worth the price.”
A reviewer might describe a movie as, “A mediocre romantic comedy that fails to deliver anything new or exciting.”

28. Fair-to-middling

This phrase is used to describe something that is neither good nor bad, but rather average or moderate in quality. It suggests that something is just okay or satisfactory.

For example, a person might say, “The hotel was fair-to-middling – nothing special, but not terrible either.”
In a discussion about a product, someone might comment, “The quality is fair-to-middling, but the price is reasonable.”
A reviewer might describe a play as, “A fair-to-middling production with decent performances but a lackluster script.”

29. Halfway decent

This phrase is used to describe something that is moderately good or satisfactory. It suggests that something is not exceptional, but still better than average or mediocre.

For instance, a person might say, “The pizza was halfway decent – not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely edible.”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might comment, “The acting was halfway decent, but the plot was predictable.”
A reviewer might describe a hotel as, “A halfway decent option for budget travelers – clean rooms and friendly staff.”

30. Acceptable

This word describes something that meets the minimum standards or requirements. It suggests that something is adequate or suitable, but not particularly impressive or exceptional.

For example, a person might say, “The presentation was acceptable, but it lacked originality.”
In a discussion about a job candidate, someone might comment, “Their qualifications are acceptable, but we’re looking for someone with more experience.”
A reviewer might describe a restaurant as, “An acceptable option for a quick and inexpensive meal, but don’t expect gourmet cuisine.”

31. Fine and dandy

This phrase is used to describe something that is acceptable or satisfactory. It is often used in a positive and cheerful manner.

For example, if someone asks, “How are you?” you might respond, “I’m fine and dandy, thanks!”
In a conversation about a completed task, someone might say, “Everything turned out fine and dandy.”
A person might describe a pleasant experience by saying, “The weather was fine and dandy during our vacation.”

32. Just fine

This phrase is used to indicate that something is adequate or satisfactory. It implies that there are no problems or issues.

For instance, if someone asks, “How’s the food?” you might reply, “It’s just fine.”
In a discussion about a completed project, someone might say, “The results were just fine.”
A person might respond to a compliment by saying, “I’m doing just fine, thank you.”

33. Not too shabby

This phrase is used to express that something is better than expected or surprisingly good. It is often used in a positive and casual manner.

For example, if someone compliments your cooking, you might say, “Thanks! Not too shabby, huh?”
In a conversation about a performance, someone might comment, “The band was not too shabby last night.”
A person might describe a new restaurant by saying, “The food there is not too shabby.”

34. Not too bad

This phrase is used to indicate that something is decent or satisfactory. It implies that there are no major issues or problems.

For instance, if someone asks, “How’s the weather?” you might respond, “Not too bad.”
In a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “The film was not too bad, considering the low budget.”
A person might describe their day by saying, “Overall, it was not too bad.”

35. Fair

This word is used to describe something that is adequate or acceptable. It implies that there is nothing outstanding or extraordinary about it.

For example, if someone asks, “How was the presentation?” you might reply, “It was fair.”
In a conversation about a deal, someone might comment, “The terms of the agreement are fair.”
A person might describe a performance by saying, “The singer did a fair job.”

36. Sufficient

This term refers to having an amount or degree that is enough or satisfactory. It is often used to describe something that meets the minimum requirements or is satisfactory in quantity or quality.

For example, “The amount of food provided was sufficient for everyone at the party.”
In a discussion about academic performance, someone might say, “Getting a passing grade is not sufficient, you should aim for excellence.”
A person might comment, “The evidence presented is not sufficient to prove the defendant’s guilt.”

37. Adees

This slang term is derived from the word “adequate” and is used to refer to people who are considered average or satisfactory. It is often used in a humorous or sarcastic manner.

For instance, “Don’t worry about impressing them, they’re just a bunch of adees.”
In a conversation about dating, someone might say, “I’m tired of going on dates with adees, I want someone extraordinary.”
A person might jokingly comment, “I don’t need a superhero, just an adee to save the day.”

38. Solid

This slang term is used to describe something that is considered good enough or satisfactory. It implies that there are no major issues or problems with the thing being described.

For example, “The presentation was solid, but it could have used more visuals.”
In a discussion about a performance, someone might say, “The actor’s performance was solid, but the script was lacking.”
A person might comment, “It’s not the best pizza I’ve ever had, but it’s solid.”

39. Competent

This term is used to describe someone who is capable or skilled in a particular area. It implies that the person has the necessary knowledge, abilities, or qualifications to perform a task or job adequately.

For instance, “The team is competent and can handle any challenge that comes their way.”
In a conversation about hiring, someone might say, “We need to find a competent candidate who can handle the responsibilities of the position.”
A person might comment, “I trust the mechanic to fix my car because they are competent in their field.”

40. Suitable

This term refers to something that is appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. It implies that the thing being described is suitable or right for the given context.

For example, “The dress is suitable for a formal event.”
In a discussion about job interviews, someone might say, “You should dress in a way that is suitable for the company’s culture.”
A person might comment, “The music playing in the background is not suitable for this restaurant.”

41. Decently

This word is used to describe something that is done or performed in an acceptable or satisfactory manner.

For example, “He did decently well on the exam, scoring above average.”
A person might say, “I cooked dinner decently, but it could have been better.”
In a performance review, a manager might say, “She consistently meets expectations and performs decently in her role.”

42. Reasonable

This term is used to describe something that is fair, moderate, or satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree.

For instance, “The price of the product is reasonable considering its features.”
A person might say, “I think a reasonable solution would be to compromise.”
In a negotiation, one might state, “Let’s come to a reasonable agreement that benefits both parties.”

43. Okay-dokey

This is a playful and informal way of saying “okay.” It is often used to express agreement or acceptance.

For example, “Sure, let’s meet at 7 pm. Okay-dokey!”
A person might say, “Everything is okay-dokey. No need to worry.”
When asked if they are ready, someone might respond, “Okay-dokey, let’s go!”

44. Fair to middling

This phrase is used to describe something that is neither exceptionally good nor exceptionally bad. It implies a moderate or mediocre level of quality or performance.

For instance, “The movie received fair to middling reviews from critics.”
A person might say, “I would rate his performance as fair to middling.”
When asked about their day, someone might respond, “It was fair to middling. Nothing extraordinary happened.”

45. Goodish

This word is used to describe something that is reasonably good or satisfactory, but not excellent or outstanding.

For example, “The food at the restaurant was goodish, but not exceptional.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling goodish today, not great but not bad either.”
When evaluating a project, someone might comment, “The overall quality is goodish, but there are some areas that need improvement.”

46. Not too terrible

This phrase is used to describe something that is not great, but also not terrible. It suggests that the thing being described is satisfactory or acceptable, but not exceptional or outstanding.

For example, “The movie was not too terrible, but it wasn’t amazing either.”
A person might say, “The food at the restaurant was not too terrible, but I’ve had better.”
Another might comment, “The weather today is not too terrible, but I wish it was sunnier.”

47. Not too great

This phrase is used to describe something that is not excellent, but also not bad. It implies that the thing being described is average or satisfactory, but not remarkable or outstanding.

For instance, “The performance was not too great, but it wasn’t terrible either.”
A person might say, “The service at the hotel was not too great, but it was acceptable.”
Another might comment, “The book was not too great, but it was an enjoyable read.”

48. Not too good

This phrase is used to describe something that is not excellent, but also not bad. It suggests that the thing being described is satisfactory or acceptable, but not exceptional or outstanding.

For example, “The movie was not too good, but it wasn’t terrible either.”
A person might say, “The food at the restaurant was not too good, but it was edible.”
Another might comment, “The weather today is not too good, but at least it’s not raining.”

49. Not too excellent

This phrase is used to describe something that is not outstanding, but also not bad. It implies that the thing being described is satisfactory or acceptable, but not exceptional or remarkable.

For instance, “The performance was not too excellent, but it wasn’t terrible either.”
A person might say, “The service at the hotel was not too excellent, but it was adequate.”
Another might comment, “The book was not too excellent, but it was an enjoyable read.”

50. Not too marvelous

This phrase is used to describe something that is not extraordinary, but also not bad. It suggests that the thing being described is satisfactory or acceptable, but not remarkable or outstanding.

For example, “The party was not too marvelous, but it wasn’t terrible either.”
A person might say, “The food at the restaurant was not too marvelous, but it was decent.”
Another might comment, “The weather today is not too marvelous, but at least it’s not snowing.”

51. Meh

This slang term is used to express indifference or a lack of enthusiasm towards something. It suggests that something is just average or mediocre and doesn’t inspire strong feelings either way.

For example, if someone asks how a movie was, you might respond with, “It was just meh, nothing special.”
In a conversation about a restaurant, you might say, “The food was meh, I wouldn’t go back.”
When discussing a new song, someone might comment, “I listened to it once and it was meh, didn’t really catch my attention.”

52. Average

This term refers to something that is neither exceptional nor terrible, but falls right in the middle. It suggests a level of mediocrity or adequacy.

For instance, if someone asks you to rate a movie, you might say, “It was average, nothing outstanding.”
In a discussion about a restaurant, you might comment, “The food was average, nothing to write home about.”
When describing a performance, you might say, “It was an average show, nothing memorable.”

53. Just okay

This phrase is used to describe something that is neither great nor terrible, but simply okay or satisfactory. It implies a lack of enthusiasm or excitement.

For example, if someone asks how a book was, you might say, “It was just okay, nothing special.”
In a conversation about a vacation destination, you might comment, “The place was just okay, nothing extraordinary.”
When discussing a meal, someone might say, “The food was just okay, not amazing but not terrible either.”

54. Okayish

This slang term is used to describe something that is just okay or average, but not particularly impressive. It suggests a level of adequacy, but not much more.

For instance, if someone asks how a party was, you might respond with, “It was okayish, nothing too exciting.”
In a discussion about a movie, you might comment, “The film was okayish, it didn’t really stand out.”
When describing a performance, you might say, “It was an okayish show, nothing remarkable.”

55. Run-of-the-mill

This phrase is used to describe something that is typical, ordinary, or average. It suggests that there is nothing unique or exceptional about the thing being described.

For example, if someone asks about a product, you might say, “It’s just run-of-the-mill, nothing special.”
In a conversation about a job, you might comment, “The work is run-of-the-mill, nothing out of the ordinary.”
When discussing a book, someone might say, “It’s a run-of-the-mill thriller, nothing groundbreaking.”