“Run of the Mill” – Meaning, Usage & Alternatives (With Example)

Life often presents people and events that are just ordinary, with things being average or unremarkable, which is why the idiom Run of the Mill fits perfectly.

I’ve seen that many daily events and things lack special features, yet recognizing them as ordinary allows us to notice when something truly exceptional appears.

Labeling people, things, or events as run-of-the-mill doesn’t mean poor quality; it simply highlights a lack of extraordinary features worth special attention.

What Does “Run of the Mill” Mean?

The idiom run-of-the-mill refers to something that is average, ordinary, or unremarkable. It describes things, people, or events that lack special features or exceptional quality. Essentially, it points out when something is typical rather than extraordinary, helping us distinguish everyday experiences from unique moments.

When to Use “Run of the Mill”

Use run-of-the-mill when you want to describe something that is not remarkable, but in a neutral or slightly informal way. It works well for everyday things, common events, or people who don’t stand out in any particular way. It’s especially useful in casual conversation or writing when you want to highlight ordinariness without being harsh.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Run of the Mill”?

Run-of-the-mill is generally polite, but slightly informal. It is suitable for friendly or casual professional environments, but may not be ideal in highly formal reports or contexts where sensitivity is crucial. Using it inappropriately may make something sound dismissive.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Clearly communicates average quality
• Easy to understand in informal contexts
• Highlights contrast with exceptional features

Cons:

• Can sound dismissive if overused
• May not suit formal or highly professional contexts

Average

Meaning & Definition: Refers to something that is typical, normal, or usual.
Example: “The movie was average-nothing special, but not bad either.”
Best Use: Casual conversation, describing routine experiences.
Worst Use: Formal critiques requiring nuance.
Tone: Neutral, straightforward

Ordinary

Meaning & Definition: Denotes something that lacks distinction or is plain.
Example: “Her performance was ordinary, not standing out among others.”
Best Use: Everyday speech, casual writing.
Worst Use: Professional praise or encouragement.
Tone: Neutral, factual

Unremarkable

Meaning & Definition: Highlights the lack of notable or outstanding features.
Example: “The hotel room was comfortable but unremarkable.”
Best Use: Objective evaluation.
Worst Use: Describing achievements or people directly.
Tone: Neutral, slightly formal

Commonplace

Meaning & Definition: Something regularly seen or experienced, lacking uniqueness.
Example: “Smartphones are now commonplace, everyone has one.”
Best Use: General statements, observations.
Worst Use: When praising something.
Tone: Informative, neutral

Typical

Meaning & Definition: Standard or representative of a group or category.
Example: “It was a typical rainy day in April.”
Best Use: Everyday events, patterns.
Worst Use: Unique or exceptional circumstances.
Tone: Neutral, descriptive

Everyday

Meaning & Definition: Ordinary, part of daily life.
Example: “She wore everyday clothes to the casual meeting.”
Best Use: Casual, conversational.
Worst Use: Formal or critical reviews.
Tone: Friendly, approachable

Standard

Meaning & Definition: Conforms to accepted norms, nothing exceptional.
Example: “The procedure followed standard protocols.”
Best Use: Professional, technical contexts.
Worst Use: Creative works where flair is valued.
Tone: Neutral, professional

mediocre

Meaning & Definition: Barely adequate, not impressive.
Example: “The essay was mediocre, lacking originality.”
Best Use: Honest assessments among peers.
Worst Use: Motivational or positive feedback.
Tone: Critical, blunt

Plain

Meaning & Definition: Simple, not decorative or special.
Example: “The dress was plain, but elegant.”
Best Use: Descriptions of objects or appearances.
Worst Use: Praising achievements.
Tone: Neutral, factual

Run-of-the-Mill

Meaning & Definition: Classic idiom for ordinary, average, unremarkable things.
Example: “The book was run-of-the-mill, entertaining but predictable.”
Best Use: Casual discussions or reviews.
Worst Use: Formal evaluations.
Tone: Informal, conversational

 Garden-Variety

Meaning & Definition: Something typical, ordinary, or standard, without anything unique.
Example: “It was just a garden-variety complaint, nothing serious.”
Best Use: Casual conversation, storytelling.
Worst Use: Formal reports or evaluations.
Tone: Informal, descriptive

Humdrum

Meaning & Definition: Lacking excitement or variety; monotonous.
Example: “The office work was humdrum, day in and day out.”
Best Use: Describing repetitive tasks or routines.
Worst Use: Celebratory contexts.
Tone: Slightly negative, neutral

Common

Meaning & Definition: Widespread, typical, not special.
Example: “It’s common to feel nervous before presentations.”
Best Use: General statements or observations.
Worst Use: Praising achievements.
Tone: Neutral, factual

Modest

Meaning & Definition: Limited in quality or scope, simple.
Example: “He lived in a modest home, content with what he had.”
Best Use: Friendly or casual descriptions.
Worst Use: Evaluating something meant to impress.
Tone: Warm, understated

Regular

Meaning & Definition: Ordinary, usual, part of a pattern or routine.
Example: “It was a regular morning commute with nothing unusual.”
Best Use: Everyday events or routines.
Worst Use: Creative or unique experiences.
Tone: Neutral, approachable

 So-So

Meaning & Definition: Mediocre, neither very good nor very bad.
Example: “The film was so-so, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Best Use: Casual feedback, informal reviews.
Worst Use: Professional or formal critique.
Tone: Informal, conversational

Mediocre

Meaning & Definition: Below average, lacking excellence.
Example: “The team’s performance was mediocre, needing improvement.”
Best Use: Honest critique among peers.
Worst Use: Encouraging or motivating feedback.
Tone: Critical, blunt

Pedestrian

Meaning & Definition: Ordinary, dull, or lacking creativity.
Example: “The plot of the book was pedestrian, nothing surprising.”
Best Use: Critiques of creative work.
Worst Use: Everyday conversation about simple tasks.
Tone: Slightly formal, critical

Nothing Special

Meaning & Definition: Ordinary, unimpressive, lacking unique qualities.
Example: “The restaurant was nothing special, but service was okay.”
Best Use: Casual feedback, informal situations.
Worst Use: Formal or positive recommendations.
Tone: Neutral, conversational

Run-of-the-Ordinary

Meaning & Definition: Another idiom describing something average or typical.
Example: “The presentation was run-of-the-ordinary, nothing extraordinary.”
Best Use: Informal professional settings.
Worst Use: Highly formal contexts.
Tone: Neutral, conversational

Conventional

Meaning & Definition: Following accepted norms, standard practice.
Example: “The design was conventional, not particularly innovative.”
Best Use: Professional or formal discussions.
Worst Use: When praising creativity.
Tone: Neutral, factual

Average Joe

Meaning & Definition: Ordinary person, typical member of society.
Example: “He’s an Average Joe, living a simple, everyday life.”
Best Use: Storytelling, casual references to people.
Worst Use: Formal writing or sensitive topics.
Tone: Friendly, informal

Standard Issue

Meaning & Definition: Common, typical, as supplied or expected.
Example: “These laptops are standard issue for all employees.”
Best Use: Workplace or practical contexts.
Worst Use: Creative or personal situations.
Tone: Neutral, professional

So-Called Ordinary

Meaning & Definition: Something labeled as ordinary but may have hidden value.
Example: “The so-called ordinary hike ended up being breathtaking.”
Best Use: Emphasizing subtle surprises in ordinary things.
Worst Use: Strictly factual reporting.
Tone: Thoughtful, conversational

Everyday Average

Meaning & Definition: Typical, ordinary, neither remarkable nor bad.
Example: “It was an everyday average performance, meeting expectations.”
Best Use: Casual or conversational reviews.
Worst Use: Formal recognition or awards.
Tone: Neutral, informal

Final Thoughts

Understanding Run of the Mill and its alternatives is more than just learning a phrase-it’s about improving the way we communicate in everyday life. Whether describing people, events, or things, choosing the right word allows us to convey ordinariness without sounding dismissive, and it helps highlight truly exceptional qualities when they arise. Words like average, ordinary, unremarkable, or garden-variety allow us to paint a clearer picture for our audience, making our observations both precise and empathetic.

Using these alternatives thoughtfully ensures your tone fits the context-whether casual, professional, or conversational. Recognizing a lack of special features doesn’t have to feel negative; it can simply reflect reality while allowing room to celebrate uniqueness when it appears. In professional settings, words like standard, conventional, or standard issue can communicate ordinariness clearly without judgment. In creative or personal contexts, expressions like so-called ordinary or everyday average add nuance, showing attentiveness to subtle details.

Ultimately, mastering the use of Run of the Mill and its alternatives equips you with tools to communicate with warmth, clarity, and subtlety. It allows you to express observations honestly while maintaining kindness and respect. With practice, these words become part of your natural vocabulary, enabling you to connect more deeply, describe more vividly, and write or speak with confidence.

FAQs

What does “Run of the Mill” mean?

Run of the Mill describes something ordinary, average, or unremarkable. It applies to things, people, or events that lack special features or exceptional quality, helping distinguish everyday occurrences from unique experiences.

Is “Run of the Mill” informal?

Yes, it is generally informal and conversational. While polite, it may not suit highly formal reports or professional evaluations where more precise terminology is preferred.

Can I use it in professional settings?

Yes, but carefully. Terms like standard or conventional are safer for formal communication, while run-of-the-mill fits casual professional conversations.

What are good alternatives?

Alternatives include average, ordinary, unremarkable, commonplace, mediocre, garden-variety, and humdrum, each suitable depending on tone and context.

Is it negative to say something is “Run of the Mill”?

Not necessarily. It can neutrally describe ordinariness but may sound dismissive if overused or used in sensitive contexts.

Can it describe people?

Yes, it can describe people who are typical or unexceptional in behavior, skill, or performance without being rude if used thoughtfully.

What tone does it convey?

The tone is usually neutral or slightly informal. Alternatives like mediocre or pedestrian convey more critical tones.

How is it different from “average”?

While average is numeric or general, run-of-the-mill conveys ordinariness with a more conversational or idiomatic nuance.

Can it describe events?

Yes, run-of-the-mill works for events that are routine, ordinary, or lack remarkable aspects, helping to contrast them with exceptional occasions.

What is the origin of “Run of the Mill”?

It originates from factories, where products “run of the mill” were typical items without exceptional features, emphasizing standard production.

Is it suitable for creative writing?

Yes, it can add realism or relatability, highlighting ordinary experiences in storytelling or descriptive passages.

Can it be replaced in formal reports?

Yes, alternatives like standard, conventional, or typical are more formal and professional, suitable for reports and official communication.

Are there subtle alternatives?

Yes, so-called ordinary or everyday average can describe ordinariness with a nuanced or empathetic touch.

Can it describe products?

Absolutely. Run-of-the-mill can describe everyday products or items lacking unique features, such as appliances, clothing, or gadgets.

Why use alternatives at all?

Alternatives help vary your vocabulary, prevent repetition, and convey ordinariness with empathy, clarity, or nuance depending on the context and audience.