far from adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "far from adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is highly unsatisfactory or inadequate compared to what is expected or needed. Example sentence: Despite our best efforts, the resources provided for the project were far from adequate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The understanding of Jones's role is far from adequate".

The Guardian - Business

However, the pasta and sugar are far from adequate nutritionally.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The policies we actually got were far from adequate.

The New York Times

Essentially, while understanding financial principles is useful, it is far from adequate to protect investors.

The New York Times

Given the potential dangers, the security measures in place are far from adequate.

The New York Times

You missed a major one though: port security is far from adequate.

The New York Times

The AMA's vice president, Stephen Parnis, said the system was obviously far from adequate.

The Guardian

While every person might get an HSA, that is far from adequate coverage.

The Washington Post

Beijing's public-transport system, though developing quickly, is still far from adequate.

The Economist

Teleological Realism mounts an impressive case against this dogma, showing that the causalist accounts are far from adequate.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

That is a far-from-adequate response.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "far from adequate", ensure the context clearly indicates what the expected or required standard is, so the deficiency is readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "far from adequate" when a milder expression of inadequacy would suffice. This phrase implies a notable and often unacceptable level of deficiency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "far from adequate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a negative assessment, indicating that something falls significantly short of the required or expected standard. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "far from adequate" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to express that something fails to meet expectations or requirements. Ludwig AI confirms it as a common and grammatically sound expression. Its usage spans various domains, most notably news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communication. While it conveys a strong sense of deficiency, it's essential to consider the context to determine if a more nuanced or milder expression might be more appropriate. When you want to clearly and directly point out that something is substantially insufficient, "far from adequate" is a suitable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nowhere near sufficient

Emphasizes the large gap between what is available and what is needed.

woefully insufficient

Highlights the inadequacy as being deeply regrettable or deplorable.

utterly lacking

Focuses on the complete absence of what is required.

seriously deficient

Stresses a significant shortcoming or failing.

pathetically meager

Draws attention to the pitiable smallness or scantiness.

hardly enough

A more understated way of saying something is insufficient.

not nearly up to par

Highlights that something fails to meet a certain standard or expectation.

falls far short

Indicates a failure to reach a required level or target.

leaves much to be desired

A polite way of saying something is not good enough.

fails to measure up

Implies a failure to meet a particular requirement or standard.

FAQs

How can I use "far from adequate" in a sentence?

The phrase "far from adequate" is used to express that something does not meet the required standards or expectations. For example, "The budget allocated for the project was "far from adequate" to cover all the necessary expenses."

What's a more formal alternative to "far from adequate"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "woefully insufficient" or "seriously deficient" to convey a similar meaning with greater emphasis on the severity of the inadequacy.

What phrases are similar to "far from adequate" but less critical?

If you want to express inadequacy without being overly critical, consider using phrases like "hardly enough" or "leaves much to be desired". These options suggest deficiency without the strong negative connotation of "far from adequate".

Is "far from adequate" too strong for some situations?

Yes, "far from adequate" implies a significant and often unacceptable level of deficiency. In situations where the inadequacy is minor or easily remedied, using a less emphatic phrase such as "not quite sufficient" might be more appropriate.