Word for something that's always reliable, but never the best?A word looks similar to “frail” but means...

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Word for something that's always reliable, but never the best?


A word looks similar to “frail” but means something like “whip”word request (name for an MP3 file)looking for a verb meaning “to work to the extent less than you can”What is the word for a personality quality or gesture that someone does over and over?One word for craving for something that happened in my pastWord for giving something color?Is there a word for something not feeling real but it is real?What is a word for someone who always has to be thinking something or messing with something?Is there a word, or description of someone who uses words like always, everytime, neverA word for “a means of getting a job over reliable candidates”













2















What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?



Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.










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  • 4





    It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

    – CJ Dennis
    13 hours ago











  • The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

    – Mr Lister
    40 mins ago











  • How about Dependable?

    – Anjana Silva
    33 mins ago
















2















What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?



Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.










share|improve this question




















  • 4





    It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

    – CJ Dennis
    13 hours ago











  • The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

    – Mr Lister
    40 mins ago











  • How about Dependable?

    – Anjana Silva
    33 mins ago














2












2








2








What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?



Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.










share|improve this question
















What do you call something that's always reliable, but that's never the best?



Is there a word for it? I am trying to think of something, but there's nothing I can really think of that exactly means that.







word-request






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share|improve this question













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edited 12 hours ago









J.R.

98.8k8127244




98.8k8127244










asked 14 hours ago









repomonsterrepomonster

63713




63713








  • 4





    It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

    – CJ Dennis
    13 hours ago











  • The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

    – Mr Lister
    40 mins ago











  • How about Dependable?

    – Anjana Silva
    33 mins ago














  • 4





    It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

    – CJ Dennis
    13 hours ago











  • The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

    – Mr Lister
    40 mins ago











  • How about Dependable?

    – Anjana Silva
    33 mins ago








4




4





It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

– CJ Dennis
13 hours ago





It would help if you gave an example sentence or two. We don't know if you want a noun, an adjective, etc. or what context you want the word in.

– CJ Dennis
13 hours ago













The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

– Mr Lister
40 mins ago





The phrase that first came to mind was "good old". But the comments are right: you should provide some context. For example, you might want something like "If the internet is down, there's always the ... paper encyclopaedia."

– Mr Lister
40 mins ago













How about Dependable?

– Anjana Silva
33 mins ago





How about Dependable?

– Anjana Silva
33 mins ago










8 Answers
8






active

oldest

votes


















5














A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.



In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".



"Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.






share|improve this answer





















  • 1





    However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

    – repomonster
    14 hours ago











  • @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

    – J.R.
    12 hours ago






  • 2





    The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

    – Jeremy Friesner
    10 hours ago











  • In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

    – user45266
    8 hours ago











  • Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

    – JeffUK
    2 hours ago



















4














There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.



"Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.



English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".



In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.



As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.






share|improve this answer
























  • Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

    – rexkogitans
    3 hours ago





















4














Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.



The Oxford Dictionary has




1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.




with examples




The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.



Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.




The Cambridge Dictionary has




standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
regular one fails.




with examples




Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.



There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.







share|improve this answer
























  • Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

    – Jasper
    9 hours ago



















2














I'd say "competent"



...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
"she spoke quite competent French"






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New contributor




FedLeppard is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.




























    1














    The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.



    From Meriam Webster:




    An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
    distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful







    share|improve this answer








    New contributor




    Matt Coubrough is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.




























      1














      Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.



      From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.






      share|improve this answer































        1














        I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice" Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.






        share|improve this answer































          -1














          I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






          share|improve this answer










          New contributor




          Marco Garcia is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
          Check out our Code of Conduct.





















          • I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

            – J.R.
            12 hours ago










          protected by Community 7 hours ago



          Thank you for your interest in this question.
          Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).



          Would you like to answer one of these unanswered questions instead?














          8 Answers
          8






          active

          oldest

          votes








          8 Answers
          8






          active

          oldest

          votes









          active

          oldest

          votes






          active

          oldest

          votes









          5














          A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.



          In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".



          "Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.






          share|improve this answer





















          • 1





            However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

            – repomonster
            14 hours ago











          • @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

            – J.R.
            12 hours ago






          • 2





            The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

            – Jeremy Friesner
            10 hours ago











          • In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

            – user45266
            8 hours ago











          • Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

            – JeffUK
            2 hours ago
















          5














          A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.



          In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".



          "Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.






          share|improve this answer





















          • 1





            However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

            – repomonster
            14 hours ago











          • @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

            – J.R.
            12 hours ago






          • 2





            The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

            – Jeremy Friesner
            10 hours ago











          • In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

            – user45266
            8 hours ago











          • Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

            – JeffUK
            2 hours ago














          5












          5








          5







          A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.



          In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".



          "Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.






          share|improve this answer















          A "Jack of all trades" can be relied on to do many different things. Most Americans will automatically fill in "but master of none", meaning that he does not do an excellent job in any of those things.



          In basketball and other sports, a "role player" can be relied on to do his job consistently well, but not at the level of a "star" or "superstar".



          "Solid", "steady", and "reliable" are adjectives. If used without other adjectives, the implication is that the person or thing's reliability is its most important feature. Most things that are perfect for a particular task have other adjectives that are more likely to be used if they are applicable.







          share|improve this answer














          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer








          edited 14 hours ago

























          answered 14 hours ago









          JasperJasper

          17.9k43568




          17.9k43568








          • 1





            However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

            – repomonster
            14 hours ago











          • @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

            – J.R.
            12 hours ago






          • 2





            The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

            – Jeremy Friesner
            10 hours ago











          • In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

            – user45266
            8 hours ago











          • Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

            – JeffUK
            2 hours ago














          • 1





            However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

            – repomonster
            14 hours ago











          • @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

            – J.R.
            12 hours ago






          • 2





            The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

            – Jeremy Friesner
            10 hours ago











          • In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

            – user45266
            8 hours ago











          • Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

            – JeffUK
            2 hours ago








          1




          1





          However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

          – repomonster
          14 hours ago





          However, that only works if you are referring to a person.

          – repomonster
          14 hours ago













          @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

          – J.R.
          12 hours ago





          @repomonster - True. Sometimes "Swiss army knife" can be used metaphorically for things.

          – J.R.
          12 hours ago




          2




          2





          The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

          – Jeremy Friesner
          10 hours ago





          The word "workmanlike" also comes to mind (per Merriam-Webster: "competent and skillful but not outstanding or original")

          – Jeremy Friesner
          10 hours ago













          In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

          – user45266
          8 hours ago





          In AmE, this is probably the best answer.

          – user45266
          8 hours ago













          Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

          – JeffUK
          2 hours ago





          Solid Steady, etc. are all good choices, hard to find a reference because none of the dictionaries include the subtle implication of "He's dependable but ...."

          – JeffUK
          2 hours ago













          4














          There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.



          "Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.



          English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".



          In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.



          As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.






          share|improve this answer
























          • Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

            – rexkogitans
            3 hours ago


















          4














          There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.



          "Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.



          English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".



          In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.



          As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.






          share|improve this answer
























          • Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

            – rexkogitans
            3 hours ago
















          4












          4








          4







          There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.



          "Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.



          English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".



          In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.



          As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.






          share|improve this answer













          There are probably lots of ways to express this, but it would depend on the context.



          "Fallback" (n), or "Backup" are likely easy one word substitutes.



          English tends to be less expressive via single nouns/verbs/adjectives, so if you went for a phrase, we may hear "If all else fails, there's always... x".



          In fact, words like "dependable" and "reliable" already (within certain contexts) euphemistically express the meaning that it wasn't the best/first choice.



          As in "What's he like as a candidate?", "Oh - he's dependable". But that's sort of more in a negative context.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered 14 hours ago









          Snowy OzSnowy Oz

          1312




          1312













          • Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

            – rexkogitans
            3 hours ago





















          • Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

            – rexkogitans
            3 hours ago



















          Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

          – rexkogitans
          3 hours ago







          Me, as informatician, I prefer fallback, because the word backup refers to something different: the store where daily copies are written to.

          – rexkogitans
          3 hours ago













          4














          Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.



          The Oxford Dictionary has




          1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.




          with examples




          The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.



          Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.




          The Cambridge Dictionary has




          standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
          regular one fails.




          with examples




          Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.



          There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.







          share|improve this answer
























          • Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

            – Jasper
            9 hours ago
















          4














          Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.



          The Oxford Dictionary has




          1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.




          with examples




          The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.



          Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.




          The Cambridge Dictionary has




          standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
          regular one fails.




          with examples




          Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.



          There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.







          share|improve this answer
























          • Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

            – Jasper
            9 hours ago














          4












          4








          4







          Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.



          The Oxford Dictionary has




          1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.




          with examples




          The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.



          Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.




          The Cambridge Dictionary has




          standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
          regular one fails.




          with examples




          Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.



          There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.







          share|improve this answer













          Something can be a standby when it is ready for use. It is reliable, but if it were the best, it would actually be in use. Quite often it was in use but replaced, but is still good for the job, for example a kettle that has seen better days but still works well.



          The Oxford Dictionary has




          1.1 count noun A person or thing ready to be deployed immediately, especially if needed as backup in an emergency.




          with examples




          The tugboat is truly multi purpose, as it can lead oil tankers into port, repair petroleum pipes in the sea and act as a standby rescue boat.



          Soup is a great standby, and we Scots are the best soup-makers of all.




          The Cambridge Dictionary has




          standby noun something that is always ready for use, especially if a
          regular one fails.




          with examples




          Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is bad.



          There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours a year during power cuts.








          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered 13 hours ago









          Weather VaneWeather Vane

          4,0321417




          4,0321417













          • Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

            – Jasper
            9 hours ago



















          • Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

            – Jasper
            9 hours ago

















          Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

          – Jasper
          9 hours ago





          Often, the standby unit does an excellent job, but either the job is rarely needed, or the way it does the job is expensive. For example, a "rescue boat" should be a "standby rescue boat" most of the time. If you need a "rescue boat" very often, you have other problems to fix. There are excellent standby generators that are kept on "standby" because their operating costs are very high. Similarly, you might keep a high-priced lawyer "on retainer". He is probably an excellent lawyer, but you would only bring him in when you have an issue serious enough to justify his hourly cost.

          – Jasper
          9 hours ago











          2














          I'd say "competent"



          ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
          "she spoke quite competent French"






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            2














            I'd say "competent"



            ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
            "she spoke quite competent French"






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              2












              2








              2







              I'd say "competent"



              ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
              "she spoke quite competent French"






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              I'd say "competent"



              ...acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding.
              "she spoke quite competent French"







              share|improve this answer








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              answered 7 hours ago









              FedLeppardFedLeppard

              291




              291




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                  1














                  The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.



                  From Meriam Webster:




                  An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
                  distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful







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                    1














                    The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.



                    From Meriam Webster:




                    An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
                    distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful







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                      1












                      1








                      1







                      The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.



                      From Meriam Webster:




                      An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
                      distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful







                      share|improve this answer








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                      The word "Journeyman" is often used to describe an individual who is reliable but not the best in their chosen profession.



                      From Meriam Webster:




                      An experienced reliable worker, athlete, or performer especially as
                      distinguished from one who is brilliant or colorful








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                      answered 8 hours ago









                      Matt CoubroughMatt Coubrough

                      1113




                      1113




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                          1














                          Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.



                          From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.






                          share|improve this answer




























                            1














                            Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.



                            From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.






                            share|improve this answer


























                              1












                              1








                              1







                              Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.



                              From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.






                              share|improve this answer













                              Journeyman as Matt Coubrough suggested, for a person. If you need a word that works with things, try stolid.



                              From Oxford: Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered 6 hours ago









                              mcalexmcalex

                              5,22211429




                              5,22211429























                                  1














                                  I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice" Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.






                                  share|improve this answer




























                                    1














                                    I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice" Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.






                                    share|improve this answer


























                                      1












                                      1








                                      1







                                      I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice" Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.






                                      share|improve this answer













                                      I think you're looking for "Safe" as in "The safe choice" Definition 2 here calls it derogatory, meaning 'Cautious and Unenterprising' but still 'Safe'.







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered 2 hours ago









                                      JeffUKJeffUK

                                      1893




                                      1893























                                          -1














                                          I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






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                                          • I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                            – J.R.
                                            12 hours ago
















                                          -1














                                          I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






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                                          • I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                            – J.R.
                                            12 hours ago














                                          -1












                                          -1








                                          -1







                                          I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.






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                                          I think the word could be "trustworthy", always reliable but doesn't matter on being the best or not.







                                          share|improve this answer










                                          New contributor




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                                          share|improve this answer








                                          edited 12 hours ago









                                          Maryam

                                          1,45321836




                                          1,45321836






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                                          answered 13 hours ago









                                          Marco GarciaMarco Garcia

                                          11




                                          11




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                                          • I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                            – J.R.
                                            12 hours ago



















                                          • I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                            – J.R.
                                            12 hours ago

















                                          I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                          – J.R.
                                          12 hours ago





                                          I think trusty might be a better suggestion than trustworthy.

                                          – J.R.
                                          12 hours ago





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