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 Nationals, in the majors and minors, still walk too many batters and make so-so swing decisions. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

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

Adjective

Drake Maye was the MVP runner-up with a so-so supporting cast in Year 1 of a new offense. — Chad Graff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

From the hotel, there’s a descending trail that leads to an unaffiliated, so-so restaurant with a killer position on a wooden deck built on the rocky shores; go for a limoncello and the sea. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 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