leave a lot, much, etc. to be desired

leave a lot to be desired

To be very inadequate or unsatisfactory; to lack a large amount of what is desired or required. The film has a very interesting premise and a story that has quite a bit of potential, but the final product leaves a lot to be desired. I wasn't expecting a huge amount from a budget hostel, but this place leaves a lot to be desired nonetheless.See also: desire, leave, lot

leave a lot, much, etc. to be deˈsired

not be good enough: Your standard of work has gone down. In fact it leaves a great deal to be desired. ♢ The acting in some of those early movies left much to be desired.See also: desire, leave