I was found wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was found wanting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of inadequacy or failure to meet expectations in a particular situation. Example: "During the performance review, I realized that I was found wanting in my ability to meet the project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

[There were] too many errors and I was found wanting at the end.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lord Hall, who took over the role on Tuesday, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I think the size of the pay-offs has not been right.. I will not have a pay-off if I'm found wanting in all sorts of ways.

Independent

"If any member of the Ulster Unionist Party has indeed acted in the manner you appear to allege, I assure you I shall not be found wanting in my reaction, but first I need the evidence," Mr Nesbitt wrote.

BBC

And I can assure you, I will not be found wanting".

The Guardian

He will say he believes that the public are "crying out" for the government to act in this way, and that "I will not be found wanting".

The Guardian

"You know I have a zero tolerance attitude towards something like that, but these are allegations and he will need to name names, at least privately to me, and he'll discover, I'll not be found wanting".

BBC

As with the archaeologist, my theory, if I am a fiction writer, will be found wanting after I die, but pleasure in my stories may linger (War and Peace) or surge (The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner).

The Guardian - Books

If they are found wanting I would expect HMRC to change them".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We will not be found wanting, I hope others will not be found wanting," he said.

BBC

People might not fancy him as much because he's dropped out of the Premiership, but he's got undoubted quality and I don't think he'll be found wanting.

The Guardian - Sport

All three have been found wanting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "I was found wanting" when you want to express a formal admission of failing to meet a required standard or expectation. It is often used in professional or serious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I was found wanting" in casual or informal conversations. It can sound overly dramatic or stilted in such settings. Opt for more common alternatives like "I fell short" or "I wasn't good enough".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was found wanting" functions as a statement of deficiency or inadequacy. It indicates that an individual has been judged as not meeting certain standards or expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a feeling of inadequacy or failure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was found wanting" is a formal expression used to acknowledge a failure to meet expectations or a lack of required qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although it is relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of inadequacy and is best suited for formal or serious situations. When aiming for a less formal tone, alternatives like "I fell short" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I fell short

Focuses on the act of not reaching a required standard.

I didn't measure up

Emphasizes a failure to meet certain criteria or expectations.

I proved inadequate

Highlights the lack of necessary skills or qualities.

I was deficient

Stresses a lack of something essential or necessary.

I was lacking

Indicates the absence of required qualities or abilities.

I didn't pass muster

Implies a failure to meet approval or acceptance.

I failed to deliver

Focuses on the inability to provide what was expected or promised.

I was considered insufficient

Highlights the judgment of others regarding inadequacy.

I came up short

Similar to "I fell short", but may imply a more immediate failure.

I disappointed expectations

Emphasizes the failure to satisfy what was anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "I was found wanting" in a sentence?

You can use "I was found wanting" to express a feeling of inadequacy or failure to meet expectations. For example: "During the performance review, I realized that "I was found wanting" in my ability to meet the project deadlines."

What can I say instead of "I was found wanting"?

You can use alternatives like "I fell short", "I didn't measure up", or "I proved inadequate depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I was found wanting" or "I fell short"?

"I was found wanting" is more formal and implies a judgment or assessment by others, while "I fell short" is less formal and directly states the failure to meet a standard. Choose the phrase that best fits the context and desired tone.

What does "I was found wanting" imply about the situation?

It implies that someone or something assessed you and determined that you did not meet the required standard or expectation. This phrase carries a sense of formal evaluation and often suggests a significant gap between the requirement and your performance.