adequate performance

USAGE SUMMARY

"adequate performance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing a level of performance that is not outstanding or exceptional, but acceptable. For example, "The student achieved an adequate performance on the final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fuel cell hybrid scooters provide an adequate performance on horizontal road surfaces, but perform less well when climbing slopes.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Adequate performance on catch trials was an indication that an observer was performing the tasks correctly.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

I have never yet heard an adequate performance of it.

The Guardian - Music

The 5-cylinder turbodiesel gave the car adequate performance.

The New York Times

In this film, Irons turns in a perfectly adequate performance.

The Guardian - Film

This is absurd, as most jobs are dependent on adequate performance.

The New York Times

This adds up to adequate performance on most games — only hard-core gamers will notice the difference.

The New York Times - Tech

Joseph Flummerfelt mustered an adequate performance from the young players of the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra in "The Medium".

The New York Times - Arts

Bayern will soon find out whether Ancelotti's low-intensity approach in dealings with his superiors and the dressing room can combine domestic bliss with adequate performance levels.

The Guardian - Sport

One can only hope that casting directors will see through her adequate performance in a poorly written role to the actress lurking underneath).

The New Yorker

This allows adequate performance data to be presented and evaluated.

Applied Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adequate performance" when you want to convey that something meets the minimum required standard or expectation without necessarily being exceptional. It's suitable for describing outcomes that are acceptable but not outstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "adequate performance" when you actually mean excellent or superior performance. Using "adequate" in such contexts can diminish the perceived quality or impact of the achievement you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adequate performance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "adequate" modifies the noun "performance". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically refers to a level of accomplishment that meets the minimum requirements or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adequate performance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a level of achievement that meets the minimum requirements or expectations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. While it may not convey excellence, it indicates that something is satisfactory or acceptable for its intended purpose. When using this phrase, consider the nuance you want to convey and whether alternatives like ""sufficient performance"" or ""acceptable performance"" might be more appropriate. As Ludwig's analysis shows, "adequate performance" is prevalent in the fields of science, news, and formal business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficient performance

This alternative is very similar in meaning, emphasizing that the performance meets the minimum requirements.

acceptable performance

This term focuses on the performance meeting an agreed-upon standard.

satisfactory performance

This alternative suggests the performance fulfills expectations and is good enough.

reasonable performance

This suggests a moderate level of performance that is fair or justifiable.

decent performance

This term implies a performance that is respectable and without major flaws.

competent performance

This suggests the performance demonstrates the necessary skills and abilities.

passable performance

This indicates the performance barely meets the required standard, often implying it's not excellent but enough.

moderate performance

This describes a performance that is neither high nor low, but somewhere in the middle.

workmanlike performance

This alternative suggests a steady and reliable, though not exceptional, performance.

serviceable performance

This emphasizes the performance is good enough to serve its purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "adequate performance" to describe a level of achievement that meets the minimum requirements. For instance, "The equipment showed "adequate performance", monitoring data and heating products satisfactorily."

What can I say instead of "adequate performance"?

Alternatives include "sufficient performance", "acceptable performance", or "satisfactory performance", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "adequate performance" positive or negative?

"Adequate performance" is generally neutral. It indicates that a certain level of performance is met, but doesn't necessarily imply excellence. It's neither particularly positive nor negative; it simply means it's sufficient.

Which is correct, "adequate performance" or "adequately performing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they serve different functions. "Adequate performance" is a noun phrase that describes a level of achievement, while "adequately performing" is a verb phrase that describes an action. For example, the equipment showed "adequate performance", or it is "adequately performing" its function.