better than nothing

ADJECTIVE

tolerable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adequate allowable bearable decent livable presentable respectable satisfactory sufficient sustainable

WEAK

all right average common endurable fair fair to middling fairly good goodish indifferent mediocre middling not bad okay ordinary passable run-of-the-mill so-so sufferable supportable tidy unexceptionable unexceptional unimpeachable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

inadequate insufficient intolerable poor unacceptable unbearable unfit unrespectable unsuitable

WEAK

bad

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But it's better than nothing, he thought: "It's good that the museum exists."

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Instead, they argue getting something on the table to amend later is better than nothing.

From Salon • Jan. 9, 2026

But that’s a lot better than nothing — which, until recently, was all medicine could offer those with dementia.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 1, 2025

A number of world governments have signed on for air deliveries, their thinking being that some aid entering Gaza is better than nothing.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2025

The white patent leather is scratched a bit, and the bottoms are slightly worn out, but they’re better than nothing.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles

better than nothing

Example Sentences

Related Words