appears deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that seems to lack necessary qualities, features, or components. Example: "The report appears deficient in critical data that is essential for our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The gap between the criminal and civil systems could be addressed by police training, which some experts have said appears deficient in light of the shooting; some who have reviewed the case have suggested that Officer Neri may have had his finger on the trigger as he patrolled the rooftop with his gun drawn, a violation of the department's procedure.

The New York Times

We report here the testing of several HIV-1 gp120 variants derived from a primary isolate that appears deficient in eliciting immune responses at both the level of CD4+ help and consequently in the generation of high-affinity IgG antibody responses in small animals.

Virology

This definition also appears deficient, since the last part of it creates an impression that a product is designed for a single purpose and therefore, as soon as the purpose is fulfilled, it turns to waste.

City, Territory and Architecture

Hence, the ORAI1 R91W mutant appears deficient in the ability to switch OASF into its extended conformation via interaction.

EMBO Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For once Arsène Wenger's tactics appeared deficient, with Aaron Ramsey out of place on the left and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain kept in the dug-out until the last 10 minutes.

Independent

After summarizing the current state of existing safety standards and brake system designs, both of which appear deficient from a safety perspective, a previously developed dynamic simulation model is used to identify which parameters have the greatest influence on the vehicles' yaw stability.

Accident Analysis & Prevention

Finally, cross-species expression analyses indicated that patterns of chemoreceptor transcript abundance were very similar for chemoreceptors that are conserved between T. amboinensis and Ae. aegypti, whereas T. amboinensis appeared deficient in the variety of expressed, lineage-specific chemoreceptors.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Some of the wrap jackets and coats with complicated origami collars had the right attitude, but appeared technically deficient next to those of Mr. Owens.

The New York Times

We don't throw our bonnets into the ring for promotions and raises for which we're surely qualified, whereas men toss in their cowboy hats even when their own credentials appear comically deficient.

The Washington Post

While the 2008 audit was being conducted, the S.E.C. said, a partner from a different PwC firm "alerted members of the Satyam engagement team that its cash confirmation procedures appeared substantially deficient," but the Indian firm did nothing to correct the procedures.

The New York Times

Cyanocobalamin stores in fish tissues are slowly exhausted and only after 12-16 weeks on test do the symptoms appear in deficient salmon populations.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears deficient" when you want to express a tentative assessment, suggesting something seems to lack a necessary quality or component but without making a definitive judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "appears deficient" when you have concrete evidence of a lack or flaw. This phrase implies a degree of uncertainty; if you have definitive proof, use a stronger, more direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears deficient" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to a description of its state. It expresses a tentative judgment about something lacking necessary qualities. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is usable in written English, signaling that something seems to lack necessary qualities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

27%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appears deficient" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a tentative assessment of something lacking a necessary quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's commonly found in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral register suitable for professional communications. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended level of certainty; if stronger evidence exists, opt for a more definitive statement. Alternatives include phrases like "seems inadequate" or "looks lacking".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems inadequate

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency of something.

seems insufficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency of something.

looks lacking

Emphasizes the visual impression of something missing or incomplete.

presents shortcomings

Highlights the presence of faults or flaws.

suggests inadequacy

Implies a lack of necessary qualities or amounts.

is seemingly lacking

Highlights the apparent absence of something needed.

is seemingly inadequate

Highlights the apparent inadequacy of something.

shows a deficit

Points out a specific shortage or deficiency.

exhibits flaws

Highlights observable imperfections or defects.

appears wanting

Indicates something seems to be missing or not up to par.

FAQs

How can I use "appears deficient" in a sentence?

You can use "appears deficient" to describe something that seems to lack a necessary component or quality. For example, "The report "appears deficient" in supporting data."

What are some alternatives to "appears deficient"?

Some alternatives include "seems inadequate", "looks lacking", or "suggests inadequacy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "appears deficient" instead of "is deficient"?

"Appears deficient" is suitable when you're making an observation based on available evidence, but you don't have conclusive proof. "Is deficient" is more appropriate when you have definitive evidence of a deficiency.

Is "appears to be deficient" grammatically correct?

Yes, "appears to be deficient" is grammatically correct. It's a slightly more formal and emphatic way of saying ""appears deficient"".