adequate contender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate contender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is sufficiently qualified or capable to compete in a particular context, such as a competition or selection process. Example: "Despite being new to the sport, she proved to be an adequate contender for the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Campbell argues that the only adequate contender is the relational view, for according to the relational view one's conscious experience in the veridical case acquaints one with a mind-independent object and its categorical properties.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But there are precious few adequate contenders for these roles today, especially Siegfried.

The New York Times

He argues that certain dispositional properties, properly understood, are adequate contenders for being identified with values, and he applies this account to the moral realm (Lewis 2005: 320), thus defending the existence of moral facts (though not mind-independent moral facts).

SEP

This, coupled with universities' inability to fully prepare work-force candidates, equals a reduced pool of adequate new hire contenders.

TechCrunch

You can waste hours sifting through the contenders in this category, or you can choose something free and adequate, like Color Flashlight HD (Android) or myLite (Apple) to turn your screen into a flashlight.

The New York Times - Tech

Until then, Manning is widely being assessed as little more than an adequate quarterback, and a symbol of the team's current role as a second-tier contender.

The New York Times - Sports

SERVICE: Adequate.

The New York Times - Food

Adequate parking.

The New York Times

Siân Phillips adequate.

The Guardian - Books

CONTENDER Burberry Fresh Glow.

The New York Times

Definitely a contender.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adequate contender", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for adequacy. Be specific about what makes the contender 'adequate' rather than 'exceptional'.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate contender" when a stronger term like "leading candidate" or "top competitor" is more appropriate. "Adequate" implies a satisfactory but not outstanding level of qualification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate contender" functions as a descriptive phrase, where the adjective "adequate" modifies the noun "contender". It describes a person or thing that meets the minimum requirements to compete or participate. Ludwig highlights this through real world examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate contender" is a descriptive phrase used to indicate that someone or something meets the minimum requirements to be considered a competitor. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while grammatically correct, the phrase is relatively rare and carries a neutral tone. More specific or stronger synonyms may be appropriate depending on the context. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and can be used to describe someone or something sufficiently qualified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient competitor

Focuses on sufficiency rather than excellence.

suitable candidate

Focuses on suitability rather than mere adequacy.

capable competitor

Highlights the ability to compete effectively.

qualified participant

Emphasizes meeting the necessary qualifications.

acceptable applicant

Indicates a satisfactory level for application.

competent rival

Stresses the presence of competence in a competitive context.

serviceable prospect

Suggests a prospect that is functional and meets basic requirements.

passable competitor

Suggests the competitor passes the minimum requirements.

average challenger

Describes a challenger who is neither particularly good nor bad.

tolerable aspirant

Implies the aspirant's adequacy is barely acceptable.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate contender" to describe someone or something that is sufficiently qualified but not necessarily exceptional. For example: "Despite lacking experience, she was an adequate contender for the position".

What are some alternatives to "adequate contender"?

Alternatives include "suitable candidate", "capable competitor", or "qualified participant", depending on the specific context.

Is "adequate contender" formal or informal?

"Adequate contender" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from stronger alternatives.

Which is more appropriate, "adequate contender" or "leading contender"?

The choice depends on the degree of qualification. "Adequate contender" suggests a satisfactory level, while "leading contender" implies a superior position. Choose "leading contender" if the subject is among the top competitors.