Word for something that's always reliable, but never the best?

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What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?
Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.
word-request
add a comment |
What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?
Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.
word-request
8
It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25
add a comment |
What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?
Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.
word-request
What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?
Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.
word-request
word-request
edited Feb 25 at 0:45
J.R.♦
100k8129247
100k8129247
asked Feb 24 at 23:03
repomonsterrepomonster
1,146216
1,146216
8
It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25
add a comment |
8
It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25
8
8
It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25
It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25
add a comment |
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.
"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.
English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".
In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.
As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
add a comment |
A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.
In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".
"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
|
show 1 more comment
Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.
The Oxford Dictionary has
1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.
with examples
The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.
Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.
The Cambridge Dictionary has
standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.
with examples
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
add a comment |
I'd say "competent"
...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"
add a comment |
The adjective trusty is a good word to describe something that's maybe not necessarily the best of its kind, but you know that it's reliable because you've used it for so long that you can rely on it:
Having served for a long time and regarded as reliable or faithful
Example sentence (from the Cambridge Dictionary):
I did the entire three hundred miles on my own—just me and my trusty bike.
add a comment |
I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice". Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.
add a comment |
The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.
From Meriam Webster:
An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful
add a comment |
Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.
From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
add a comment |
Perhaps you're looking for a "workhorse" -- it describes a person (or sometimes an object) that dependably performs a task. It's often used in contrast to flashier beasts such as racehorses, who might win a single race and bask in that glory while it lasts, but may well lose the next race. The workhorse isn't the best (nobody rides around town on the workhorse, given the option!) but it gets the job done out in the field day after day.
Oxford: "A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time."
add a comment |
I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
add a comment |
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10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
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There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.
"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.
English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".
In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.
As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
add a comment |
There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.
"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.
English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".
In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.
As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
add a comment |
There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.
"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.
English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".
In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.
As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.
There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.
"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.
English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".
In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.
As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.
answered Feb 24 at 23:33
Snowy OzSnowy Oz
1762
1762
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
add a comment |
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.
– rexkogitans
Feb 25 at 10:15
add a comment |
A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.
In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".
"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
|
show 1 more comment
A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.
In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".
"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
|
show 1 more comment
A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.
In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".
"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.
A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.
In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".
"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.
edited Feb 24 at 23:21
answered Feb 24 at 23:08
JasperJasper
19k43771
19k43771
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
|
show 1 more comment
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
2
2
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
However, that only works if you are referring to a person.
– repomonster
Feb 24 at 23:13
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
@repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 0:46
2
2
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")
– Jeremy Friesner
Feb 25 at 3:08
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
In AmE, this is probably the best answer.
– user45266
Feb 25 at 5:17
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."
– JeffUK
Feb 25 at 10:43
|
show 1 more comment
Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.
The Oxford Dictionary has
1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.
with examples
The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.
Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.
The Cambridge Dictionary has
standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.
with examples
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
add a comment |
Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.
The Oxford Dictionary has
1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.
with examples
The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.
Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.
The Cambridge Dictionary has
standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.
with examples
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
add a comment |
Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.
The Oxford Dictionary has
1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.
with examples
The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.
Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.
The Cambridge Dictionary has
standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.
with examples
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.
Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.
The Oxford Dictionary has
1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.
with examples
The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.
Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.
The Cambridge Dictionary has
standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.
with examples
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.
answered Feb 25 at 0:04
Weather VaneWeather Vane
4,4021417
4,4021417
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
add a comment |
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.
– Jasper
Feb 25 at 3:59
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
A standby unit is often a backup that is identical to the one that it is designed to replace if the primary fails. This means it doesn't really have the connotation the asker is looking for.
– Eric Nolan
Feb 25 at 15:04
add a comment |
I'd say "competent"
...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"
add a comment |
I'd say "competent"
...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"
add a comment |
I'd say "competent"
...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"
I'd say "competent"
...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"
answered Feb 25 at 5:58
FedLeppardFedLeppard
291
291
add a comment |
add a comment |
The adjective trusty is a good word to describe something that's maybe not necessarily the best of its kind, but you know that it's reliable because you've used it for so long that you can rely on it:
Having served for a long time and regarded as reliable or faithful
Example sentence (from the Cambridge Dictionary):
I did the entire three hundred miles on my own—just me and my trusty bike.
add a comment |
The adjective trusty is a good word to describe something that's maybe not necessarily the best of its kind, but you know that it's reliable because you've used it for so long that you can rely on it:
Having served for a long time and regarded as reliable or faithful
Example sentence (from the Cambridge Dictionary):
I did the entire three hundred miles on my own—just me and my trusty bike.
add a comment |
The adjective trusty is a good word to describe something that's maybe not necessarily the best of its kind, but you know that it's reliable because you've used it for so long that you can rely on it:
Having served for a long time and regarded as reliable or faithful
Example sentence (from the Cambridge Dictionary):
I did the entire three hundred miles on my own—just me and my trusty bike.
The adjective trusty is a good word to describe something that's maybe not necessarily the best of its kind, but you know that it's reliable because you've used it for so long that you can rely on it:
Having served for a long time and regarded as reliable or faithful
Example sentence (from the Cambridge Dictionary):
I did the entire three hundred miles on my own—just me and my trusty bike.
edited Feb 25 at 17:25
answered Feb 25 at 15:15
Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin
27.4k11110238
27.4k11110238
add a comment |
add a comment |
I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice". Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.
add a comment |
I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice". Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.
add a comment |
I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice". Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.
I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice". Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.
edited Mar 4 at 4:10
Pang
13316
13316
answered Feb 25 at 10:41
JeffUKJeffUK
20914
20914
add a comment |
add a comment |
The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.
From Meriam Webster:
An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful
add a comment |
The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.
From Meriam Webster:
An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful
add a comment |
The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.
From Meriam Webster:
An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful
The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.
From Meriam Webster:
An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful
answered Feb 25 at 4:46
Matt CoubroughMatt Coubrough
1213
1213
add a comment |
add a comment |
Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.
From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
add a comment |
Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.
From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
add a comment |
Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.
From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.
From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.
answered Feb 25 at 7:16
mcalexmcalex
5,22211429
5,22211429
add a comment |
add a comment |
Perhaps you're looking for a "workhorse" -- it describes a person (or sometimes an object) that dependably performs a task. It's often used in contrast to flashier beasts such as racehorses, who might win a single race and bask in that glory while it lasts, but may well lose the next race. The workhorse isn't the best (nobody rides around town on the workhorse, given the option!) but it gets the job done out in the field day after day.
Oxford: "A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time."
add a comment |
Perhaps you're looking for a "workhorse" -- it describes a person (or sometimes an object) that dependably performs a task. It's often used in contrast to flashier beasts such as racehorses, who might win a single race and bask in that glory while it lasts, but may well lose the next race. The workhorse isn't the best (nobody rides around town on the workhorse, given the option!) but it gets the job done out in the field day after day.
Oxford: "A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time."
add a comment |
Perhaps you're looking for a "workhorse" -- it describes a person (or sometimes an object) that dependably performs a task. It's often used in contrast to flashier beasts such as racehorses, who might win a single race and bask in that glory while it lasts, but may well lose the next race. The workhorse isn't the best (nobody rides around town on the workhorse, given the option!) but it gets the job done out in the field day after day.
Oxford: "A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time."
Perhaps you're looking for a "workhorse" -- it describes a person (or sometimes an object) that dependably performs a task. It's often used in contrast to flashier beasts such as racehorses, who might win a single race and bask in that glory while it lasts, but may well lose the next race. The workhorse isn't the best (nobody rides around town on the workhorse, given the option!) but it gets the job done out in the field day after day.
Oxford: "A person or machine that dependably performs hard work over a long period of time."
answered Feb 25 at 20:16
A CA C
41927
41927
add a comment |
add a comment |
I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
add a comment |
I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
add a comment |
I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.
I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.
edited Feb 25 at 1:08
Maryam
1,59421936
1,59421936
answered Feb 24 at 23:53
Marco GarciaMarco Garcia
12
12
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
add a comment |
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.
– J.R.♦
Feb 25 at 1:09
1
1
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
trustworthy is usually applied to people you can trust not to lie, cheat, spread rumours
– WendyG
Feb 25 at 16:20
add a comment |
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It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.
– CJ Dennis
Feb 25 at 0:25