Slightly insufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Slightly insufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not meet a required standard or need, but only to a small degree. Example: "The report was slightly insufficient in detail, lacking some key data points that were necessary for a comprehensive analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Universal fared slightly better, receiving an "insufficient" grade.

Huffington Post

Disney, Sony and Lionsgate received "failing" grades, while Fox, Paramount and Warner Bros. were labeled "poor". Universal fared slightly better, receiving an "insufficient" grade.

HuffPost

RNA levels in the same cells were similar to those of PTB, or only slightly lower, and were insufficient to account for the much larger differences in protein levels.

Plosone

The gallery's chairman, Peter Scott, said its current grant of slightly more than $34 million was insufficient for basic operating costs, the BBC reported.

The New York Times - Arts

The League of Nations' reaction to the war was slightly biased against communism, and insufficient to contain the massive importation by fighting factions of arms and other war resources.

Wikipedia

Due to insufficient clearances and slightly distorted link mechanisms, failures in the intricate safety interlocks in the loading sequence for antiflash precautions caused jams during drills and practice firing.

Wikipedia

Patient numbers varied slightly between different transporters since insufficient biopsy material was available for some assessments.

Clinical Epigenetics

As with personal income, the average person reporting insufficient food was slightly more likely to report partner physical violence (OR 1.22 99%CI 1.10 1.35; 1,271/2,679 with insufficient food reported, compared with 2,052/12,536 with sufficient food).

BMC Women's Health

Slightly different marker orders typically produce very similar likelihoods and total map lengths when there are insufficient recombination events to identify the true order.

Heredity

Slightly scary, slightly sexy.

The New York Times

Patient numbers varied slightly between tumor suppressor genes since insufficient biopsy material was available for some assessments.

Clinical Epigenetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly insufficient" when you want to convey a minor degree of inadequacy, avoiding stronger terms that might overstate the issue. It's ideal for nuanced evaluations where a small adjustment could rectify the deficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly insufficient" when the inadequacy is significant. Opt for stronger terms like "inadequate" or "deficient" to accurately reflect the severity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly insufficient" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb ("slightly") modifying an adjective ("insufficient"). It describes the degree to which something is not enough or inadequate. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly insufficient" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe something that falls marginally short of what is needed. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English. While its frequency is currently low, it serves a valuable function in expressing nuanced evaluations. When writing, be mindful of the degree of inadequacy and choose terms that accurately reflect the situation, avoiding overstatements. Consider alternatives like "marginally inadequate" or "somewhat lacking" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marginally inadequate

Emphasizes a small degree of inadequacy.

somewhat lacking

Focuses on a partial absence or deficiency.

a bit deficient

Highlights a slight shortfall.

mildly inadequate

Stresses the mildness of the inadequacy.

barely enough

Indicates a quantity that is just meeting the minimum requirement.

scarcely sufficient

Suggests a minimal level of sufficiency.

just about adequate

Implies a level of adequacy that is barely acceptable.

almost inadequate

Conveys a near state of inadequacy.

nearly deficient

Shows a condition that is close to being deficient.

relatively insufficient

Indicates insufficiency in comparison to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly insufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly insufficient" to describe something that is not quite enough or not quite up to par. For example, "The budget allocated for the project was "slightly insufficient" to cover all the planned activities."

What are some alternatives to "slightly insufficient"?

Some alternatives to "slightly insufficient" include "marginally inadequate", "somewhat lacking", or "a bit deficient". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "slightly insufficient" a formal or informal expression?

"Slightly insufficient" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider more precise or technical alternatives.

What's the difference between "insufficient" and "slightly insufficient"?

"Insufficient" indicates a general lack or inadequacy, whereas "slightly insufficient" specifies that the lack or inadequacy is minor or only to a small degree. The addition of "slightly" softens the statement.