leave a lot to be desired

Idioms

Also,. Be imperfect or unsatisfactory. For example, His account of the election leaves a lot to be desired. This usage can also be put in a more positive way, that is, leave nothing to be desired, meaning “to be perfectly satisfactory,” as in His account leaves nothing to be desired. [Late 1700s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Investors who really want to take part in the big IPOs are already trying to find ways in through specialist vehicles, some of which leave a lot to be desired.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

But the federal government’s requirements leave a lot to be desired, two education attorneys in the state said, and don’t reflect the ongoing difficulties that kids with disabilities and their families still face.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2023

The aims of the organization may be admirable, but its employment practices leave a lot to be desired.

From New York Times • Aug. 12, 2022

But anyone who already owns one can tell you that the company’s straps leave a lot to be desired.

From The Verge • Nov. 25, 2021

Their language isn't apt to be any too refined and their table manners leave a lot to be desired.

From Bert Wilson in the Rockies by Duffield, J. W.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023