adequate for the time being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adequate for the time being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficient or acceptable for the current moment or situation, but may not be suitable in the long term. Example: "The temporary solution we implemented is adequate for the time being, but we will need to find a more permanent fix soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But later on the same program, Dr. Frist said that the drug supply was adequate for the time being.

The New York Times

While the Regents contend that the new graduation tests raise standards for everyone, the panel gave the current math curriculum only a lukewarm endorsement, calling it adequate "for the time being".

The New York Times

The space was adequate for the time being — their first daughter, Sophia, was born in 1998 — but in order to put down roots and have a second child, the couple realized they would have to set their sights beyond Manhattan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Callahan responds, "The Alaska Region [of BOEMRE] can confirm that it reviewed Shell's contingency plan and found it adequate for the time it was issued.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Consequently, the post-fire debris flow risk assessment for the Stanislaus Complex, while adequate for its time, was more an identification of relative debris flow susceptibility reflecting spatial hazard differences rather than an actual assessment of risk.

Geoenvironmental Disasters

The first ten postoperative days were chosen by the study team to ensure that an adequate length of time was captured for the exploratory analysis.

BMC Nursing

But when there is only one administrator for every thirty-plus teachers, adequate observation time is often a physical impossibility.

Huffington Post

Once the second freeze for 3 min was completed, adequate time was allowed for thawing before removing the probe from the cervix by gentle semicircular movements.

British Journal of Cancer

Also, patients who were on follow-up for ≥12 months were included in the study as adequate time was needed for assessing adherence.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Adequate time was provided for the implementation of the intervention.

BMC Medical Ethics

9 31 Key to achieving this aim is ensuring that adequate time is allocated for the procedure, an appropriate endoscopist is selected, optimal assessment has been undertaken (such as within a complex polyp MDM) and that all relevant professionals and equipment are readily available, which may not be the case at the time of detection.

Gut

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adequate for the time being" to clearly communicate that a solution or state is temporary. This sets expectations and avoids misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate for the time being" when describing a solution that is intended to be permanent. Choose language that reflects stability and long-term suitability instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate for the time being" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its current state of sufficiency or acceptability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adequate for the time being" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a temporary state of sufficiency or acceptability. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts, predominantly News & Media and Science, to express that something is sufficient now but may require future adjustments. The phrase carries a neutral register and is best used when explicitly communicating the temporary nature of a solution or state. Alternatives such as "sufficient for now" or "acceptable for the moment" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temporarily sufficient

Directly states the temporary sufficiency of something.

sufficient for now

Focuses on the present sufficiency without explicitly mentioning a future change.

acceptable for the moment

Highlights the current acceptability of something, implying it might not be so later.

good enough for the present

Emphasizes the adequacy for the current situation but suggests it might not remain so.

workable in the short term

Highlights the practicality and limited duration of the solution.

satisfactory for the interim

Uses more formal language and emphasizes the temporary nature of the satisfaction.

serviceable for the nonce

A more archaic phrasing indicating suitability for the present occasion.

passable for the interim

Indicates that something is just good enough to pass for now.

provisionally acceptable

Stresses the provisional aspect of the acceptance, suggesting a review later.

okay for now

A more informal and concise way of expressing temporary acceptance.

FAQs

How can I use "adequate for the time being" in a sentence?

You can use "adequate for the time being" to describe something that is currently sufficient but may not be in the future. For example, "The current budget is adequate for the time being, but we will need more funding next year".

What's a simpler way to say "adequate for the time being"?

Alternatives include "sufficient for now", "acceptable for the moment", or "okay for now".

Is "adequate for the time being" formal or informal?

"Adequate for the time being" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler phrases like "okay for now" are more informal.

When should I avoid using "adequate for the time being"?

Avoid using "adequate for the time being" when you want to convey a sense of permanence or long-term reliability. In such cases, use phrases that emphasize stability and durability.