Better than nothing Meaning in English
expression
ˈbɛtɝ/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /ˈnəθɪŋ
BET-er than NUTH-ing
bˈɛtɐ/ /ðˈɐn/ /nˈʌθɪŋ
BET-uh than NUTH-ing
Definition
This expression means that something, even if it's not ideal or not much, is still preferable to having nothing at all.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used when accepting a less-than-ideal option. Common for small favors, gifts, or partial solutions. Sometimes shows mild disappointment.
Spanish: mejor que nadaPortuguese (BR): melhor do que nadaPortuguese (PT): melhor do que nadaChinese (Simplified): 聊胜于无Chinese (Traditional): 聊勝於無Hindi: कुछ तो हैArabic: أفضل من لا شيءBengali: না থাকার চেয়ে ভালোRussian: лучше, чем ничегоJapanese: 何もないよりはましVietnamese: còn hơn khôngKorean: 없는 것보다는 낫다Turkish: hiç yoktan iyidirUrdu: کچھ نہ ہونے سے بہترIndonesian: lebih baik daripada tidak ada
Example Sentences
It's not much, but it's better than nothing.
basic
A sandwich is better than nothing if you're hungry.
basic
I only got a small bonus, but it's better than nothing.
basic
We didn't have all the tools, but what we had was better than nothing.
natural
I wish we had more time, but this is better than nothing.
natural
Five dollars is better than nothing when you're broke.
natural