an inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is insufficient or not meeting a certain standard. Example: "The report provided an inadequate analysis of the situation, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Impeachment is really an inadequate procedure.

The New Yorker

China has an inadequate natural endowment.

The Economist

at thought gave an inadequate picture.

The New Yorker

She is, she says, "an inadequate woman".

Independent

Everything else is an inadequate substitute.

The Economist

Independence is an inadequate response.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an inadequate response.

The New York Times

I am an inadequate driver.

The Guardian - Tech

Go to work and you're an inadequate mother, stay at home and you're an inadequate person.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which everyone knows is an inadequate income for today's economy.

University of California, Berkeley

There may be significant errors or an inadequate presentation.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an inadequate", ensure the noun it modifies is clearly defined and the context emphasizes the insufficiency. For instance, "an inadequate budget" is clearer if the purpose of the budget is also stated.

Common error

Avoid using "an inadequate" when 'bad' or 'poor' would be more appropriate. "Inadequate" specifically means insufficient for a particular purpose, not generally of low quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inadequate" functions as a pre-modifying adjective describing a noun. It indicates that the noun is insufficient or not suitable for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Academia

29%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an inadequate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase functioning as a pre-modifying adjective to denote insufficiency or deficiency. As Ludwig AI's analysis indicates, its usage spans across diverse contexts, notably in science, news media, and academic writing. While alternatives such as "a deficient" or "an insufficient" may offer nuanced distinctions, "an inadequate" remains a versatile choice for expressing that something falls short of requirements. Remember to focus on specifying the inadequacy's nature rather than using the phrase as a general substitute for 'bad'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deficient

Focuses on the lack of something essential or required.

an insufficient

Highlights that there is not enough to meet the demands or needs.

a substandard

Emphasizes that something falls below an expected level of quality.

a poor

A more general term indicating a lack of quality or effectiveness.

a limited

Suggests a restriction in scope, quantity, or ability.

a restricted

Similar to 'limited' but more direct, emphasizing the constraints.

a scarce

Highlights rarity, focusing on unavailability to meet needs.

a skimpy

Implies a meagerness, often in quantity or provision.

a paltry

Suggests that something is virtually worthless or insignificant.

a wanting

This is a more formal, less common expression meaning lacking or deficient.

FAQs

How do you use "an inadequate" in a sentence?

Use "an inadequate" before a noun to describe something that is insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose. For example, "The response was "an inadequate solution" to the problem".

What are some alternatives to "an inadequate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a deficient", "an insufficient", or "a substandard".

Is it better to say "an inadequate" or "insufficient"?

Both "an inadequate" and "insufficient" are similar. "Inadequate" suggests a lack of suitability or fitness for a specific purpose, while "insufficient" generally means not enough. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. "An insufficient amount" may focus on quantity, while "an inadequate response" implies unsuitability.

What's the difference between "an inadequate" and "a deficient"?

"Inadequate" means not good enough or not sufficient for a specific requirement, whereas "deficient" means lacking an essential quality or element. You might have "an inadequate supply" if it doesn't meet needs, but "a deficient diet" lacks essential nutrients.