be unremarkable

[bi ʌnrɪˈmɑrkəbəl]
verb phrase
ser comum; ser ordinário; não chamar atenção
1. to lack distinctive, notable, or interesting qualities; to be ordinary or forgettable
His performance was unremarkable and failed to impress the audience.
Seu desempenho foi comum e não conseguiu impressionar a plateia.
2. to not stand out or be worthy of special attention
The movie was unremarkable, neither good nor bad.
O filme foi ordinário, nem bom nem ruim.
3. to pass unnoticed or without drawing comment
She preferred to be unremarkable and blend into the background.
Ela preferia ser discreta e se misturar ao fundo.
In Brazilian culture, being 'comum' (unremarkable) can sometimes be valued for its discretion and modesty, while American culture often celebrates standing out. The expression reflects different attitudes toward individual distinction across cultures.
NYC Slang
be mid; be mid-tier
Synonyms / Sinônimos
be ordinarybe commonplacebe nondescriptbe mediocrebe forgettable
Antonyms / Antônimos
be remarkablebe outstandingbe distinctivebe exceptionalbe notable

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
ser comum; ser ordinário
most standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
ser morno; não chamar bola
colloquial usage, 'morno' means lukewarm/mediocre
São Paulo
ser chato; ser fraco
informal usage among younger speakers
Portugal
ser banal; ser medíocre
more formal Portuguese usage

Related Words

unremarkableordinarinessmediocritycommonplacenondescript

Related Idioms & Phrases

nothing to write home about
not set the world on fire
run-of-the-mill
nothing special
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