are not adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

"are not adequate" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something is not sufficient or up to the standard that is needed or expected. Example: The company's safety measures are not adequate to prevent accidents in the workplace. In this example, the phrase "are not adequate" is used to express that the safety measures in place are not enough to effectively prevent accidents from happening.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Mr. Matthews maintains that such explanations are not adequate.

The New York Times

Wall texts and the catalog are not adequate compensations.

The New York Times - Arts

"Especially in developing countries, often documents are not adequate.

The New York Times

(She threw up twice; New York subways are not adequate preparation for winding roads).

The New York Times

But to Make the Road, the hospital's services are not adequate.

The New York Times

"The schools in my neighborhood are not adequate," Mrs. Byers said.

The New York Times

Shadow work and pensions secretary David Willetts said: "The contracted-out rebates are not adequate.

The Guardian - Money

I think both of their approaches are not adequate to the task we are facing.

The New Yorker

Some Army aircraft are not adequate for long distance flights, it said.

The New York Times

Communications networks operate around the clock, so services provided on a "6 a.m. to 6 p.m". basis are not adequate.

The New York Times

In spite of recent renovations, they are not adequate for the ambitious art program the college envisions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not adequate", clearly state what the subject is inadequate for. This provides context and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something "are not adequate" without explaining why. Always provide supporting details or reasons to justify your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not adequate" functions as an adjective phrase used to express that something does not meet a required standard or level. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to express inadequacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are not adequate" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something falls short of meeting the required standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. Its frequency is high in science, news and media, and formal business writing. When employing this phrase, remember to provide specific reasons why something is inadequate to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "are insufficient" or "are not enough" can be used depending on the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are insufficient

Emphasizes the lack of quantity or amount needed.

are not enough

A more informal and direct way of expressing inadequacy.

are not sufficient

A formal synonym, highlighting a lack of what is needed.

are not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the required standard.

are not satisfactory

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations or requirements.

are not capable

Highlights a lack of inherent ability or capacity.

are not fit

Implies a lack of suitability for a specific purpose.

fall short

Indicates a failure to reach a certain level or standard.

do not measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a certain expectation or benchmark.

are wanting

A more formal or literary way of saying something is lacking.

FAQs

What does "are not adequate" mean?

The phrase "are not adequate" signifies that something is insufficient or does not meet the required standard or expectation. It implies a deficiency in quality, quantity, or ability.

How can I use "are not adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "are not adequate" to express that something falls short of what is needed. For example, "The current resources "are not adequate" to address the growing demand."

What are some alternatives to saying "are not adequate"?

Alternatives include "are insufficient", "are not enough", "are not sufficient", or "fall short" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between saying "are not adequate" and "are inadequate"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "are not adequate" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the lack of sufficiency, while "are inadequate" directly states that something is deficient or unsuitable. The choice often depends on the desired tone and context.