Not much better than (someone or something); nearly as bad or inadequate as (someone or something). In our rural village, the classroom was little better than a barn with some chairs and desks inside. With the way they treat the money of their employees and investors, these CEOs are little better than con artists, in my opinion.

Not any better than (someone or something); just as bad or inadequate as (someone or something). If you go through with this, you'll be no better than the bullies who harassed you as a kid. With the way they treat the money of their employees and investors, these CEOs are no better than con artists, in my opinion.