more often than not

Idioms  

1. Also, often as not. Fairly frequently, more than or at least half the time, as in More often than not we'll have dinner in the den, or Dean and Chris agree on travel plans, often as not. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

On this occasion it failed, but more often than not the workings of this brilliant football mind led to success.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Some of this is to look more desirable, he says, but more often than not his clients are focused on health and longevity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

And more often than not, it’s what takes a meal from “almost there” to finished — because, at this point, I know myself: I want a sauce.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Companies beat earnings estimates more often than not, but the current pace is particularly impressive.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

One graying bonobo had a rock with him, which he brought crashing down on nuts, occasionally breaking their shells, but more often than not just making a big mess or slamming a finger.

From "Endangered" by Eliot Schrefer

Related Words

• commonly
• consistently
• customarily
• frequently
• generally
• mostly
• naturally
• normally
• occasionally
• often
• ordinarily
• regularly
• routinely
• sometimes