doesn't seem adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'doesn't seem adequate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are demonstrating that you consider something to be insufficient. For example, "The amount of money he's been given as a reward for his hard work doesn't seem adequate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But, like evolution, economics alone doesn't seem adequate to the obesity problem.

The New Yorker

"The word 'leak' just doesn't seem adequate for a data dump and security breach of this magnitude," wrote Peter Feaver, a professor of political science at Duke University, in a blog post for Foreign Policy.

The New York Times - Magazine

But somehow the plaque we'll give him doesn't seem adequate.

Huffington Post

Unfathomable doesn't seem adequate enough to describe the pain the families of the victims must feel, and heartbroken doesn't seem adequate enough to describe the mentality of the shooter's family.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The spending portion of the president's package -- some $60 billion in all -- does not seem adequate to stimulate the economy quickly.

The New York Times

But Ewing's response does not seem adequate to meet the circularity objection.

SEP

Re, i.e. the ratio between inertial and viscous forces, does not seem adequate to describe the system, as inertial forces are worthless due to the extremely high viscosity.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

These results, together with the upward bias in the cycles in periods after 1990, would indicate that the Clark (1987) specification does not seem adequate for modeling Peruvian GDP.

Latin American Economic Review

The secular tradition in ethics derived from the pagan and atheistical philosophers of the pre-Christian era does not seem adequate, however, to the problems of the mass societies of the industrial and post-industrial era.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Three Italian towns, damaged by the 1997 Umbria Marche earthquake sequence, are considered as example to demonstrate that: (1) soil condition dependent uniform hazard spectra well approximate actual spectra recorded during some events of the seismic sequence; (2) for these localities, the design spectrum of the present Italian seismic code does not seem adequate.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

If a simple functional form does not seem adequate, piecewise functional forms should be considered.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doesn't seem adequate", clarify the specific criteria or standards against which something is being evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't seem adequate" when a stronger, more definitive statement of inadequacy is warranted. If the insufficiency is clear and objective, consider using phrases like "is inadequate" or "is insufficient" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't seem adequate" functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something is perceived as insufficient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express that something is considered lacking or not meeting the required standard. Examples show it applied to diverse subjects, from the obesity problem to economic stimulus packages.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doesn't seem adequate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a subjective assessment of insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as a neutral expression, suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Although uncommon, it effectively conveys a sense of something falling short of expectations. Related phrases include "appears insufficient" and "is not quite enough". When using this phrase, ensure that the criteria for adequacy are clear and avoid overstating the degree of inadequacy. The most authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, Huffington Post, and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears insufficient

Replaces "seem adequate" with "appears insufficient", focusing on the appearance of inadequacy.

is not quite enough

Expresses inadequacy in a more direct and simple manner.

falls short of expectations

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations or requirements.

is not up to par

Uses a more informal idiom to convey that something is not good enough.

proves to be wanting

Emphasizes a discovered lack or deficiency.

is deemed unsatisfactory

Highlights that an evaluation has found something lacking.

is found to be deficient

Focuses on the discovery of a specific deficiency.

lacks what is needed

Directly states the absence of necessary components or qualities.

is considered lacking

Indicates a considered judgement of inadequacy.

fails to measure up

Emphasizes the failure to reach a required standard.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "doesn't seem adequate" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "appears insufficient", "is deemed unsatisfactory", or "is considered lacking".

When is it appropriate to use "doesn't seem adequate"?

Use "doesn't seem adequate" when you want to express a subjective feeling or assessment that something is not quite enough or doesn't fully meet the requirements, without making an absolute claim of inadequacy. It's suitable when the evaluation is based on personal judgment or incomplete information.

What's the difference between "doesn't seem adequate" and "is inadequate"?

"Doesn't seem adequate" implies a subjective assessment and a degree of uncertainty, while "is inadequate" is a more definitive and objective statement. "Doesn't seem adequate" suggests a personal opinion, whereas "is inadequate" asserts a factual condition.

What are some common synonyms for "doesn't seem adequate"?

Common synonyms include phrases like "is not quite enough", "falls short of expectations", and "is not up to par", each carrying slightly different nuances of meaning and formality.