Used when referring to one additional item, person, or option, often in a set or comparison. Similar to 今一つ (いまひとつ) sense 1.
See also: 今ひとつ (いまひとつ)
I recommend one more candidate.
not quite; not completely
Expresses that something is slightly lacking or not fully satisfactory. Often used with negative or hesitant nuance. Similar to 今一つ (いまひとつ) sense 2.
See also: 今ひとつ (いまひとつ)
close run; just falling short of success
Describes a situation where success was narrowly missed; often used in competitive or evaluative contexts.
We lost just one step short of the championship.
That explanation is not quite clear.
Standard kanji spelling for this expression.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; also common.
Phrase composed of 今 (now, further) + 一歩 (one step). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows the pattern of 今一つ (いまひとつ).