none too

Idioms

Also, not too. Not very, as in The application arrived none too soon, or I'm afraid this secretary is not too smart, or He was here not too long ago. The first usage was first recorded in 1885; the variant dates from about 1920. Also see not all that.

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.

That’s why Evgeny blundered into Dmitri’s shop, although he admits that he’s none too successful at this gig.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

But Epstein appeared none too pleased that Krauss had invoked him and his connections.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2026

And some passengers are none too happy about the changes.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 16, 2025

Eighteen month old Rory Baker was none too happy at having to stop an impromptu game of football with dad Charlie as they waited for the parade to arrive.

From BBC • May 6, 2024

An older man, bald and none too clean, sat behind the counter.

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

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