acceptably adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acceptably adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that meets a minimum standard of adequacy or is sufficiently acceptable. Example: "The report was not exceptional, but it was acceptably adequate for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Guy, at 66, is acceptably authentic.

The New York Times - Arts

Jazz often wants to be acceptably cool.

The New York Times - Arts

But solid rules can acceptably minimize the risks of fracking.

The Washington Post

This calculation acceptably explains the experimental results.

Polymer

One gladiolus is a gladiolus, also acceptably a gladiola.

The New York Times - Style

More acceptably expressed, that means that he is intellectually disabled.

The Guardian

Solar power worked acceptably on Mars, but with some difficulties.

The New York Times

They had several children, and Schumann's career developed acceptably.

The Guardian - Music

Adequate parking.

The New York Times

Siân Phillips adequate.

The Guardian - Books

Did his plan include first proving himself acceptably masculine?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, consider whether "acceptably adequate" adds value over simply using "adequate" or "acceptable". If the nuance is important, ensure the context supports the double emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "acceptably adequate" in contexts where a simpler term like "adequate" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound redundant or unsure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acceptably adequate" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. It describes the degree to which something meets a certain standard or requirement. Since Ludwig AI returns that the phrase is correct, it means that the structure "adverb + adjective" is fine.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acceptably adequate" is a grammatically correct adverb-adjective combination used to describe something that meets a minimum acceptable standard. While technically sound, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is uncommon and potentially redundant, suggesting simpler alternatives like "adequate" may often be more suitable. Its usage spans various contexts, but due to its infrequency, it doesn't dominate any particular field. When choosing this phrase, consider whether the added emphasis is necessary or if a more concise term would serve your purpose better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sufficiently acceptable

Replaces "adequate" with "acceptable" while retaining the sense of meeting a minimum standard.

Serviceably adequate

Focuses on the functional aspect of being adequate for its intended service or purpose.

Reasonably sufficient

Uses "reasonable" to soften the level of sufficiency, implying a practical rather than ideal standard.

Adequately satisfactory

Swaps "acceptable" for "satisfactory", highlighting the fulfillment of requirements.

Satisfactorily passable

Indicates something is passable and also satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding.

Competently sufficient

Highlights that the sufficiency is achieved through competence, implying a level of skill.

Tolerably good

Emphasizes that the quality is merely tolerable, not excellent, but still meets a basic requirement.

Passably decent

Suggests that the subject barely meets a minimum threshold of decency or quality.

Just about acceptable

Indicates a bare minimum level of acceptability.

Barely adequate

Emphasizes the minimal nature of the adequacy, suggesting it is the lowest acceptable level.

FAQs

What does "acceptably adequate" mean?

The phrase "acceptably adequate" means something meets a minimum standard of adequacy or is sufficiently acceptable. It suggests something is good enough, though perhaps not outstanding.

Is "acceptably adequate" redundant?

While "adequate" and "acceptable" have similar meanings, using both as "acceptably adequate" can emphasize that something meets the minimum required level. However, it can be seen as redundant in many contexts, so consider if the emphasis is necessary. Alternatives include "sufficiently acceptable" or "reasonably sufficient".

When is it appropriate to use "acceptably adequate"?

Use "acceptably adequate" when you want to stress that something just barely meets the required standards or expectations. Be mindful of potential redundancy; ensure the context warrants the double emphasis.

Are there formal alternatives to "acceptably adequate"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "satisfactorily passable", "competently sufficient", or "serviceably adequate". These phrases maintain a professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.