# leave something to be desired

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/leave-something-to-be-desired
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to be insufficient in some aspect.

## Examples

- The service at this restaurant leaves much to be desired.
- Although the apartment is in a great location, the poor insulation leaves a lot to be desired during the winter.
- While the author’s technical skill is evident, the lack of emotional depth in the narrative leaves much to be desired for a discerning reader.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.