an adequate return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an adequate return" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing investments, profits, or outcomes that meet a certain standard or expectation. Example: "Investors are looking for an adequate return on their investments to ensure financial stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"We're earning an adequate return on that investment already," he said.

The New York Times

But he will consider selling any business that does not yield an adequate return.

The New York Times

Is there an adequate return on investment over the long term to justify moving forward?

Harvard Business Review

You also try to ensure that you are getting an adequate return on your investment.

The New York Times

"And they are intent upon ensuring that the taxpayers receive an adequate return for the risk," he added.

The New York Times

Later, there were questions whether German taxpayers got an adequate return from the more than €1 trillion that flowed to East Germany after reunification.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Indeed, the estimated mean health gains as measured by QALYs gained are equivalent to half a month of full health, an economically adequate return for a low cost investment.

British Medical Journal

But a total of six albums in 27 years (only five of them comprising new material) seems a barely adequate return from so legendary a performer.

The Guardian

While only one clinician mobilised the language of 'rights' to advocate for ART funding ("The ability to reproduce is a basic human right" – Helen), all participants emphasised the significance of ART outcomes as a more than adequate return on a funding investment.

BMC Health Services Research

Considering he and United have been tilting at the trophy more or less continuously for a decade, it is a just about adequate return.

Independent

To earn an adequate real return on assets after inflation spikes to 10%, he says, companies have to triple their return on invested capital (roughly speaking, from 10% to 30%).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms like "yield", "profit margin", or "compensation" depending on the nature of the return you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "an adequate return" in contexts where a more precise term would be more appropriate. For instance, if you're discussing investment performance, use metrics like "return on equity" or "annualized return" rather than the more general "an adequate return".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an adequate return" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It is used to denote a level of profit, yield, or benefit that is deemed satisfactory or sufficient for a given investment, effort, or risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an adequate return" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a satisfactory level of profit, yield, or benefit. As Ludwig AI indicates, its meaning is widely understood and consistently applied. Analysis shows the expression is most frequently found in news and business contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify the nature of the return. While "an adequate return" implies sufficiency, it doesn't necessarily mean optimal or high performance. Therefore, it is important to select alternatives like "a satisfactory profit" or "a reasonable yield" depending on the context. While clear, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and provide more precise metrics where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a satisfactory profit

Focuses on the profit being acceptable, shifting from the concept of 'return' to 'profit'.

a reasonable yield

Replaces "return" with "yield", emphasizing the income generated from an investment.

a sufficient gain

Uses "gain" instead of "return", highlighting the increase in value or benefit.

an acceptable benefit

Substitutes "return" with "benefit", focusing on the advantage or positive result received.

a fair compensation

Emphasizes the fairness of the reward or payment received in relation to the effort or investment.

a worthwhile outcome

Shifts the focus to the result being valuable or beneficial.

a good payback

Uses the more informal term "payback" to describe the return on investment.

a decent profit margin

Focuses specifically on the percentage of revenue exceeding the cost.

an appropriate reward

Highlights the suitability of the return in relation to the effort or investment.

a valuable advantage

Replaces "return" with "advantage", concentrating on the positive edge gained.

FAQs

What does "an adequate return" mean in investing?

In investing, "an adequate return" refers to a level of profit or yield on an investment that is considered satisfactory or sufficient to compensate the investor for the risk taken and the time invested. What constitutes an "adequate return" can vary depending on factors such as the investor's risk tolerance, investment goals, and prevailing market conditions.

What can I say instead of "an adequate return"?

You can use alternatives like "a satisfactory profit", "a reasonable yield", or "a sufficient gain" depending on the context.

How do you determine if an investment provides "an adequate return"?

Determining if an investment provides "an adequate return" involves comparing the expected or actual return to the investor's required rate of return, which is the minimum return necessary to compensate for the risk and opportunity cost of the investment. Factors to consider include the risk-free rate of return, inflation, and the risk premium associated with the specific investment.

Is there a difference between "an adequate return" and "a high return"?

Yes, "an adequate return" implies a satisfactory or sufficient level of profit or yield, while "a high return" suggests a level of profit or yield that is significantly above average or expected. An investment may provide "an adequate return" without necessarily being considered a high-performing investment.