adequate capability

USAGE SUMMARY

'adequate capability' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a circumstance involving having enough resources or capability to accomplish something. For example, "The company has adequate capability to complete the project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It is difficult terrain, and so we want to make sure that when we take that on, that we have the adequate capability, and we've set the conditions right to get things done," Austin said.

The Guardian

Roderick H. Furigay, 47, the mayor of Lamitan and the only Christian among Basilan's 12 mayors, strongly backed the American presence because he believed the Philippine military lacked "adequate capability".

The New York Times

"We want to make sure that when we take that on, that we have the adequate capability and we set the conditions right to -- to get things done," Austin said on October 17.

The Guardian

"I told the staff, I want you to study whether or not we have adequate capability to accomplish the tasks we've been assigned by the department," said General Craddock, who leads the American military's European Command and is the supreme allied commander in Europe.

The New York Times

It also generally does not possess an adequate capability of redistribution of the seismic action among the walls of the buildings.

Construction and Building Materials

As often powered by lower voltage, the actuator of such a system must be minimized yet with adequate capability to drive the DEP pump to the required speed.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Lee et al. (2009) found the open innovation is not an attractive option especially for the the early-stage ventures which may not have adequate capabilities regarding R&D investment and capital.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The engineer procure construct (EPC) approach has been increasingly adopted in international markets, in which contractors need to have adequate capabilities in effectively dealing with a wide range of risks in a complex environment that consists of various stakeholders.

International Journal of Project Management

This work is of importance to the continued validation of the Pitzer ion-interaction parameter database and geochemical modeling used by the Yucca Mountain Project, and supports its adequate capabilities in predicting brine evolution in complex aqueous systems at elevated temperatures.

Geochemical Transactions

The Taiwan Relations Act requires that the United States help Taiwan maintain an adequate defense capability.

The New York Times

Similarly, Germany was disadvantaged during World War II by its lack of adequate amphibious capability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider whether "adequate" is the most precise descriptor. Alternatives like "sufficient", "robust", or "specialized" might better convey the intended level of capability.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate capability" when a higher level of performance or expertise is actually required. "Adequate" implies 'just enough', so ensure it aligns with the true needs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate capability" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often referring to a subject's capacity or ability. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adequate capability" describes a sufficient level of ability or resources for a particular task, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, it implies a minimum acceptable level, so choose it when sufficiency is the key point. Usage spans across science, news media, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. Remember that alternatives such as "sufficient ability" or "enough competence" may offer more precise connotations depending on the intended meaning. While "adequate capability" is not overly frequent, it appears consistently in reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient ability

Replaces "adequate" with "sufficient", emphasizing the presence of enough ability.

sufficient capacity

Substitutes "capability" with "capacity", highlighting the available volume or potential.

enough competence

Uses "competence" instead of "capability", focusing on the quality of being adequately qualified.

requisite skill

Replaces both words to emphasize required expertise.

necessary competence

Highlights required expertise for specific task.

ample resources

Shifts the focus to available resources that enable capability.

suitable expertise

Focuses on having the correct type of knowledge and skill.

satisfactory proficiency

Emphasizes a level of skill that meets a certain standard.

acceptable level of skill

Highlights that the level of expertise is good enough for specified task.

the means necessary

Emphasizes having the required means to complete a task.

FAQs

How can I use "adequate capability" in a sentence?

Use "adequate capability" to describe a situation where someone or something has just enough ability or resources to accomplish a task. For example: "The team possesses "adequate capability" to meet the project's basic requirements."

What phrases are similar to "adequate capability"?

Alternatives to "adequate capability" include "sufficient ability", "sufficient capacity", or "enough competence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "adequate capability" or "adequate capabilities"?

Both "adequate capability" and "adequate capabilities" are grammatically correct. "Capability" (singular) refers to a general ability, while "capabilities" (plural) refers to specific skills or resources. Choose the form that best fits the intended meaning.

When is it not appropriate to use "adequate capability"?

Avoid using "adequate capability" when you mean to convey a higher level of skill or resources, such as "exceptional", "superior", or "state-of-the-art". "Adequate" implies a minimum acceptable level.