Halfway decent Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhæfˈweɪ/ /ˈdisənt

HAF-way DEE-sent

UK

hˈɑːfweɪ/ /dˈiːsənt

HAAF-way DEE-sent

Definition

Describes something that is acceptable, adequate, or not bad—better than poor but not great. It’s used to show something is good enough, but just barely.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used with some irony or low expectations. Common before nouns ('a halfway decent meal') or after verbs ('It looks halfway decent'). Not as positive as 'good', but better than 'bad' or 'poor'.

• Spanish: medianamente decente - más o menos bien
• Portuguese (BR): mais ou menos decente - razoável
• Portuguese (PT): mais ou menos decente - razoável
• Chinese (Simplified): 还算像样 - 勉强过得去
• Chinese (Traditional): 還算像樣 - 勉強過得去
• Hindi: कुछ हद तक ठीक
• Arabic: لا بأس به - مقبول
• Bengali: অর্ধেক ভালো - মোটামুটি ভালো
• Russian: более-менее приличный - сносный
• Japanese: そこそこまとも - まあまあ良い
• Vietnamese: tạm ổn - khá được
• Korean: 그럭저럭 괜찮은 - 어느 정도 괜찮은
• Turkish: kötü sayılmaz - şöyle böyle iyi
• Urdu: کچھ حد تک قابل قبول - ٹھیک ٹھاک
• Indonesian: lumayan layak - cukup baik

Example Sentences

The hotel was halfway decent for the price.

basic

We found a halfway decent restaurant nearby.

basic

Her English is halfway decent already.

basic

If you want a halfway decent cup of coffee, skip that place.

natural

At least the wi-fi is halfway decent here.

natural

I just need something halfway decent to wear tonight.

natural