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

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3















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.










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  • 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















3















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.










share|improve this question



















  • 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













3












3








3








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.










share|improve this question
















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






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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












  • 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










10 Answers
10






active

oldest

votes


















7














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.






share|improve this answer























  • 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



















5














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.






share|improve this answer




















  • 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


















4














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.







share|improve this answer























  • 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


















3














I'd say "competent"



...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"






share|improve this answer






























    3














    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.







    share|improve this answer
































      3














      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'.






      share|improve this answer
































        2














        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







        share|improve this answer






























          1














          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.






          share|improve this answer






























            1














            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."






            share|improve this answer






























              -1














              I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






              share|improve this answer

























              • 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










              Your Answer








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              10 Answers
              10






              active

              oldest

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              10 Answers
              10






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

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              7














              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.






              share|improve this answer























              • 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
















              7














              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.






              share|improve this answer























              • 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














              7












              7








              7







              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.






              share|improve this answer













              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.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              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


















              • 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














              5














              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.






              share|improve this answer




















              • 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















              5














              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.






              share|improve this answer




















              • 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













              5












              5








              5







              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.






              share|improve this answer















              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.







              share|improve this answer














              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              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












              • 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











              4














              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.







              share|improve this answer























              • 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















              4














              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.







              share|improve this answer























              • 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













              4












              4








              4







              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.







              share|improve this answer













              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.








              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              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

















              • 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











              3














              I'd say "competent"



              ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
              "she spoke quite competent French"






              share|improve this answer



























                3














                I'd say "competent"



                ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
                "she spoke quite competent French"






                share|improve this answer

























                  3












                  3








                  3







                  I'd say "competent"



                  ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
                  "she spoke quite competent French"






                  share|improve this answer













                  I'd say "competent"



                  ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
                  "she spoke quite competent French"







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Feb 25 at 5:58









                  FedLeppardFedLeppard

                  291




                  291





















                      3














                      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.







                      share|improve this answer





























                        3














                        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.







                        share|improve this answer



























                          3












                          3








                          3







                          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.







                          share|improve this answer















                          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.








                          share|improve this answer














                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer








                          edited Feb 25 at 17:25

























                          answered Feb 25 at 15:15









                          Michael RybkinMichael Rybkin

                          27.4k11110238




                          27.4k11110238





















                              3














                              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'.






                              share|improve this answer





























                                3














                                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'.






                                share|improve this answer



























                                  3












                                  3








                                  3







                                  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'.






                                  share|improve this answer















                                  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'.







                                  share|improve this answer














                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer








                                  edited Mar 4 at 4:10









                                  Pang

                                  13316




                                  13316










                                  answered Feb 25 at 10:41









                                  JeffUKJeffUK

                                  20914




                                  20914





















                                      2














                                      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







                                      share|improve this answer



























                                        2














                                        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







                                        share|improve this answer

























                                          2












                                          2








                                          2







                                          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







                                          share|improve this answer













                                          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








                                          share|improve this answer












                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer










                                          answered Feb 25 at 4:46









                                          Matt CoubroughMatt Coubrough

                                          1213




                                          1213





















                                              1














                                              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.






                                              share|improve this answer



























                                                1














                                                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.






                                                share|improve this answer

























                                                  1












                                                  1








                                                  1







                                                  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.






                                                  share|improve this answer













                                                  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.







                                                  share|improve this answer












                                                  share|improve this answer



                                                  share|improve this answer










                                                  answered Feb 25 at 7:16









                                                  mcalexmcalex

                                                  5,22211429




                                                  5,22211429





















                                                      1














                                                      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."






                                                      share|improve this answer



























                                                        1














                                                        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."






                                                        share|improve this answer

























                                                          1












                                                          1








                                                          1







                                                          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."






                                                          share|improve this answer













                                                          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."







                                                          share|improve this answer












                                                          share|improve this answer



                                                          share|improve this answer










                                                          answered Feb 25 at 20:16









                                                          A CA C

                                                          41927




                                                          41927





















                                                              -1














                                                              I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






                                                              share|improve this answer

























                                                              • 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















                                                              -1














                                                              I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






                                                              share|improve this answer

























                                                              • 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













                                                              -1












                                                              -1








                                                              -1







                                                              I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






                                                              share|improve this answer















                                                              I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.







                                                              share|improve this answer














                                                              share|improve this answer



                                                              share|improve this answer








                                                              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

















                                                              • 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

















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