an inadequate number of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inadequate number of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the quantity of something is insufficient or not enough for a particular purpose. Example: "The project was delayed due to an inadequate number of resources available for the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We have buildings that are falling apart, and we have an inadequate number of teachers and inadequately trained teachers," Dr. Healy said.

The New York Times - Tech

However, as fighting continued, some accused him of deploying an inadequate number of troops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state continues to have an inadequate number of health facilities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the government of Alberta has an inadequate number of groundwater monitoring wells in the tar sands regions.

Yale University

The airport accused the T.S.A. of providing an inadequate number of screeners on what was an average Saturday.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, equipment and supply shortages and an inadequate number of medical personnel continue to hamper the health care system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also, Alex's bus number changed as bus officials scrambled to reorganize the route and compensate for an inadequate number of drivers.

The New York Times

The combination of an aging population and an inadequate number of newly trained professionals will harm overworked cancer physicians and underserved patients alike.

The New York Times - Health

Although efforts are underway to train new security and cyber professionals, there is currently an inadequate number of leaders and experienced engineers to expand this force.

The New York Times

Likens the American press to a gigantic canning factory, thousand of workers standing ready to can fish, but relyi on its raw material on an inadequate number of handl ine fishermen in leaky rowboats.

The New Yorker

Although Japan has a modern and well-equipped health service, the World Health Organisation assesses that it still has an "inadequate number of mental health staff providing community care".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an inadequate number of", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes an adequate number for the situation. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "an inadequate number of" something. Clearly describe the specific consequences without resorting to hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inadequate number of" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity of something is insufficient. Ludwig examples show its widespread use in describing deficiencies in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inadequate number of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is insufficient in quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedic writing. To enhance clarity, specify what constitutes an adequate number in your context. While versatile, be mindful of overstating the consequences and consider alternatives like "insufficient quantity of" or "too few" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient quantity of

Replaces "an inadequate number of" with a more formal synonym emphasizing the lack of sufficient amount.

too few

Offers a simpler and more direct way to express a shortage.

scarce amount of

Indicates that the quantity is not only inadequate but also rare or hard to find.

limited supply of

Focuses on the restricted availability of something.

a shortage of

Highlights the deficiency or lack of something needed.

deficient in quantity

Emphasizes that the amount is lacking or incomplete.

a dearth of

Implies a severe lack or scarcity.

under-resourced in

Shifts the focus to the lack of resources, implying a broader deficiency.

lacking sufficient

Highlights the absence of what is needed to meet a requirement.

an undersupply of

Specifically refers to a situation where the amount provided is less than what is demanded.

FAQs

What does "an inadequate number of" mean?

The phrase "an inadequate number of" refers to a situation where there is not enough of something to meet a particular need or requirement. It signifies a deficiency in quantity.

How to use "an inadequate number of" in a sentence?

Use "an inadequate number of" to describe a shortage or deficiency. For example: "The project failed due to an inadequate number of skilled workers."

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

You can use alternatives like "insufficient quantity of", "too few", or "a shortage of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "an inadequate number of" or "insufficient quantity of"?

Both "an inadequate number of" and "insufficient quantity of" are correct. "Insufficient quantity of" is more formal, while "an inadequate number of" is more common in everyday language.