so-so

1 of 2

adverb

ˈsō-ˈsō 

: moderately well : tolerably

so-so

2 of 2

adjective

: neither very good nor very bad : middling

a so-so performance

Synonyms of so-so

Adverb

• good
• fine
• alright
• nicely
• well

Adjective

• decent
• mediocre
• satisfactory
• middling
• medium
• ordinary
• passable
• indifferent

Examples of so-so in a Sentence

Adverb

I think I did so-so on the test

Adjective

a so-so production of a great play

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The question will be whether Graves, who played center in college, can overcome his smaller frame and so-so athleticism. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

The right shot can truly take an item from so-so to incredible looking in no time. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 22 June 2026

Adjective

Guys’ inability to fully deliver for Dean is explored in trenchant lyrics that seem to be exploring fateful realizations about so-so situationships in real time. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 July 2026

Baseboards accumulate significant buildup not only because they're largely neglected but also because dust, dander, and dirt naturally fall to the floor, so cleaning here over the weekend will take your home from so-so to spotless. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

circa 1530, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1542, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for so-so

• acknow
• aglow
• ago
• airglow
• aloe
• altho
• although
• ammo
• backflow
• backhoe
• banjo
• barbeau

Kids Definition

so-so

1 of 2 adverb

ˈsō-ˈsō

: fairly well : tolerably, passably

played the violin only so-so

so-so

2 of 2 adjective

: neither very good nor very bad

a so-so performance