an inadequate amount

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inadequate amount" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is insufficient or not enough for a particular purpose or need. Example: "The project was delayed due to an inadequate amount of funding, which hindered our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

In that condition, a temporary loss of consciousness results from an inadequate amount of blood flowing to the brain.

The New York Times

Specifically, they kept an inadequate amount of capital on hand so that a small decline in assets or borrowing power left them in a highly vulnerable position.

The New York Times

***** The next day, I give an inadequate amount of money to Nakul's mother, who looks heartbreakingly happy to receive it, and then we bump into a team of Indian doctors setting off for villages two days' walk away.

The Guardian

The first is a result of a deficiency of iron, and the second is a result of impaired production of hemoglobin; in either case there is an inadequate amount of the final product in the red cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a game against Marilia, the defender Johnny dos Santos took exception to the referee adding what he considered an inadequate amount of injury time at the end of the game, and expressed his displeasure by karate-kicking the official to the floor.

The Guardian - Sport

"If you go in, like I do, to see my father in a care home, and you listen to the bell ringing, you know that bell rings longer before people are seen because money is being spread out, and there's an inadequate amount of funding going in for a civilised level of care in the 21st century.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Isn't that — as Laurs2 from Florida commented in the blog — a "pitifully inadequate" amount?

The New York Times - Health

He said the Republican plan would savage Medicare by giving each beneficiary a fixed, inadequate amount of money to buy private insurance.

The New York Times

For example, in order to prevent a large and inadequate amount of allowances on the market (as was the EU ETS case), the Chinese province of Hubei is attempting to make adjustments in how many credits are allocated after they are auctioned off, after reported emission levels are available.

Huffington Post

Second, there is a possibility that inadequate amount of RAS blockers was used that could not suppress intrarenal AngII activity.

BMC Nephrology

Some commentators were quick to argue that the crash could be a result of the inadequate amount that the US Congress allocates to the rail service.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an inadequate amount", ensure the context clearly defines what the amount is inadequate for. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an inadequate amount" without specifying what resource or element is lacking. For instance, instead of saying "there was an inadequate amount", specify "there was an inadequate amount of funding for the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inadequate amount" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a quantity that is insufficient for a particular purpose. Ludwig's examples demonstrate it modifying various nouns like "funding", "sleep", or "food".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an inadequate amount" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote insufficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase, primarily serving to highlight a deficiency in various contexts, as proven by the ample examples from News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias.

When using "an inadequate amount", ensure clarity by specifying what the amount is inadequate for, and consider alternatives like "an insufficient quantity" or "a meager amount" to fine-tune the specific nuance of your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insufficient quantity

Emphasizes the lack of a required number or measure.

a deficient quantity

Highlights a lack or shortage, often implying a need for something to be complete.

a limited amount

Focuses on the restricted size or extent of something.

a scarce quantity

Indicates rarity and difficulty in obtaining what's needed.

a paltry amount

Suggests the amount is small and worthless or contemptible.

a negligible quantity

Implies the amount is so small it can be disregarded.

a meager amount

Describes the amount as thin, skimpy, or poor.

a trickle

Used figuratively to denote a very small and slow flow or supply.

a shortage

Highlights the lack of something needed.

an undersupply

Focuses on not having enough to meet the demand.

FAQs

How can I use "an inadequate amount" in a sentence?

You can use "an inadequate amount" to describe a situation where something is insufficient. For example, "The company suffered losses due to an inadequate amount of investment".

What can I say instead of "an inadequate amount"?

You can use alternatives like "an insufficient quantity", "a limited amount", or "a meager amount" depending on the context.

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

Both "inadequate amount" and "insufficient amount" are correct and interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. In general "insufficient amount" may suggest it is not enough to fulfill a specific need, while "inadequate amount" may suggest that it is not good enough.

What does "an inadequate amount" imply?

"An inadequate amount" suggests that the quantity or measure of something is not enough to meet a particular requirement or standard, leading to potential shortcomings or failures.