an inadequate response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inadequate response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reply or answer that does not meet the necessary standards or expectations. Example: "The committee found that the report provided an inadequate response to the concerns raised by the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Independence is an inadequate response.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is an inadequate response.

The New York Times

Relying primarily on a sales tax increase is an inadequate response and highly regressive.

The New York Times

There was also an inadequate response to neighbours' frequent complaints about the dog's continuous barking.

The Guardian

We have already suffered enormous, unnecessary damage because of an inadequate response to the slump.

The New York Times

In Rome, residents complained last weekend of an inadequate response to the storm.

The New York Times

In places anger is intense over an inadequate response to the disaster.

The Economist

All in all, it struck many experts as an inadequate response from the world's greatest exporting country.

The New York Times

But it was described by Stella Creasy, the campaigning Labour MP for Walthamstow, as an inadequate response.

The Guardian - Money

He concluded further that republicanism offered an inadequate response to the new social problems of industrial capitalism.

Britannica

The government has been accused of an inadequate response to the Syrian refugee crisis in recent months.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an inadequate response", ensure the context clearly indicates what standards or expectations were not met. Providing specifics strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "an inadequate response" without clearly stating what makes it inadequate. Without context, the phrase can be perceived as a subjective judgment lacking substance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inadequate response" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "inadequate" modifies the noun "response". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it describing failures across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inadequate response" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to critique the insufficiency of a reaction or answer. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, from news reporting to scientific discourse. It is essential to provide specific context when using this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid vague criticisms. While "an inadequate response" is versatile, alternative phrases like "an insufficient reaction" or "a deficient reply" may offer more nuanced meanings depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an insufficient reaction

This alternative emphasizes the lack of necessary quantity or quality in the reaction.

an unsatisfactory answer

This alternative focuses on the failure of the answer to meet expectations or requirements.

a deficient reply

This alternative highlights the incompleteness or lack of something essential in the reply.

an inappropriate reaction

This emphasizes the unsuitability of the reaction in a given context.

a weak retort

This suggests the reply lacks strength or persuasiveness.

a feeble response

This indicates the response lacks energy or effectiveness.

a paltry answer

This suggests the answer is insignificant or worthless.

a lame comeback

This implies the response is unconvincing or weak, particularly in an argument or debate.

a half-hearted reply

This suggests the reply is given without enthusiasm or commitment.

an unimpressive rejoinder

This indicates that the rejoinder fails to make a strong or favorable impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "an inadequate response" to describe situations where a reaction or solution doesn't meet the needs or expectations of a particular situation. For example: "The government's initial aid package was widely criticized as "an inadequate response" to the hurricane devastation."

What are some alternatives to "an inadequate response"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a deficient reply", "an insufficient reaction", or "an unsatisfactory answer". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the failure to meet expectations.

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

Both "inadequate response" and "insufficient response" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many situations. "Inadequate" often implies a failure to meet a specific requirement or standard, while "insufficient" suggests a lack of the necessary quantity or quality. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a response "inadequate"?

A response is considered "inadequate" when it fails to address the core issue, lacks the necessary resources or information, or does not meet the required standards. For example, "an inadequate response" to a medical emergency might be one that doesn't provide timely or effective treatment.