be found wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

'be found wanting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something or someone has failed to meet expectations. For example: "The candidate was found wanting in the interview and was not offered the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must not be found wanting.

The Guardian

Standing before her Maker, she will not be found wanting.

The New York Times

If we are weighed, we may be found wanting.

Harvard Business Review

First, the sommelier's thespian skills may be found wanting.

The Economist

But theories precise enough to be clearly tested under controlled conditions can also be found wanting.

Stanford University

And I can assure you, I will not be found wanting".

The Guardian

This is where Mr. Bush may be found wanting, which could become evident during debates.

The New York Times

But against two new white balls he might be found wanting.

Independent

Banks have been raising capital to be sure not to be found wanting.

The Economist

That is a yardstick by which all subsequent performances must still be judged - and in most cases be found wanting.

The Guardian - Music

It really doesn't take long for the efficiency of our global food distribution system to be found wanting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be found wanting", ensure the context clearly specifies the criteria against which something or someone is being judged. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be found wanting" in overly casual or informal settings. Its somewhat formal tone may sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday conversation; opt for simpler, more direct alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be found wanting" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically used to indicate that someone or something has been judged and deemed inadequate or deficient according to specific standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys a failure to meet expectations. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in contexts ranging from political analysis to performance reviews.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be found wanting" is a frequently used passive verb phrase that expresses a negative judgment, indicating that someone or something has failed to meet expectations or standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for formal contexts. Its usage is especially prevalent in News & Media, academic, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, the criteria for judgment should be clearly stated. While similar phrases like ""fall short of expectations"" or ""prove inadequate"" can be used, "be found wanting" carries a specific nuance of critical assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall short of expectations

Focuses on not reaching a desired level or standard.

prove inadequate

Emphasizes a lack of sufficient quality or ability.

not measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a required standard or comparison.

be deficient

Highlights the presence of a lack or inadequacy.

fail to suffice

Indicates that something is not enough or adequate for a particular purpose.

come up short

Similar to falling short, implying a failure to achieve a goal.

be lacking

Directly states that something is missing or absent.

not cut the mustard

An informal idiom meaning to not meet the required standard.

be unequal to the task

Specifically refers to not being able to handle a particular challenge.

leave something to be desired

Suggests that something is not entirely satisfactory or could be better.

FAQs

How can I use "be found wanting" in a sentence?

You can use "be found wanting" to indicate that something or someone has failed to meet expectations or a required standard. For example, "The project was "found wanting" in several key areas".

What can I say instead of "be found wanting"?

Alternatives to "be found wanting" include phrases like "fall short of expectations", "prove inadequate", or "not measure up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be found wanting"?

The phrase "be found wanting" is appropriate in formal writing and speech when you want to express a critical assessment of someone or something that doesn't meet the required standard. It is less suitable for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "be found wanting" and "lack something"?

"Be found wanting" implies a judgment against a specific standard, while "lack something" simply states that something is missing. For example, saying someone "lacks experience" is a statement of fact, while saying they "be found wanting" suggests their inexperience is a significant deficiency.