more or less

Idioms  

1. Approximately, as in The truck will hold nine yards of dirt, more or less . This usage was first recorded in 1589.

2. Basically, essentially, as in We more or less agree on the substance of the letter . This usage was first recorded about 1225.

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Example Sentences

The standard ratio has moved more or less sideways this week, but the weighted ratio continues to climb.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

The findings revealed consistent misconceptions about which foods are more or less harmful to the environment.

From Science Daily • Mar. 23, 2026

"Everybody wants this to be resolved," summed up an EU diplomat, saying fellow capitals were "more or less fed up" with the Hungarian leader's behaviour.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

Researchers at the University of Birmingham carried out in-depth interviews with pupils, parents and teachers across seven secondary schools to understand how more, or less, restrictive mobile phone policies shape young people's wellbeing.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Then she was gone, more or less in a puff of smoke.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck