Is better than nothing Meaning in English
expression · lemma: be better than nothing
ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈbɛtɝ/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /ˈnəθɪŋ
IZ BET-er THAN/THUN NUH-thing
ˈɪz/ /bˈɛtɐ/ /ðˈɐn/ /nˈʌθɪŋ
IZ bet-UH th-UN n-UH-thing
Definition
This expression means that although something may not be perfect or ideal, it is still better than having nothing at all.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used to express that a small or imperfect amount is better than none. Common in daily speech when accepting less than you want. Comparable expressions: 'something is better than nothing.'
Spanish: es mejor que nadaPortuguese (BR): é melhor do que nadaPortuguese (PT): é melhor do que nadaChinese (Simplified): 总比没有好Chinese (Traditional): 總比沒有好Hindi: कुछ न होने से अच्छा हैArabic: أفضل من لا شيءBengali: কিছু না থাকার চেয়ে ভালোRussian: лучше чем ничегоJapanese: ないよりはましVietnamese: còn hơn khôngKorean: 없는 것보다는 낫다Turkish: hiç yoktan iyidirUrdu: کچھ نہ ہونے سے بہتر ہےIndonesian: lebih baik daripada tidak ada
Example Sentences
A sandwich is better than nothing if you're hungry.
basic
This old phone is better than nothing until I can buy a new one.
basic
I only got a small piece of cake, but it is better than nothing.
basic
Well, it's not much, but it is better than nothing.
natural
These old shoes are better than nothing until I get paid.
natural
He gave me some advice—it is better than nothing.
natural