grave deficiencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave deficiencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe serious or significant shortcomings in a particular context, such as performance, quality, or standards. Example: "The report highlighted grave deficiencies in the safety protocols that need immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Calling attention to grave deficiencies is useful only if it inspires change.

The New York Times

The Europeans and many Democrats are well aware of the nuclear accord's grave deficiencies.

The Washington Post

Yet... the conventional attack on the decision suffers from grave deficiencies.

The New York Times - Books

If so, perhaps they could now tell us what they propose to do to remedy the grave deficiencies the Buckland case has exposed to public scrutiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are, of course, happy that Italy's criticism of the grave deficiencies of the Dublin regulation on refugees is finally common currency, even in Brussels.

The Guardian - Opinion

The lawyers have also mentioned a report by the French Banking Commission, which fined the bank €4m in July after uncovering "grave deficiencies" in SocGen's internal controls.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

By Jiayang Fan Having noticed a surfeit of designer strollers and cashmere cable knits in his Upper East Side neighborhood, the Australian transplant Josh Mazza diagnosed a grave deficiency in the area: sexy mixology in a cozy, accessible joint.

The New Yorker

There is a graver deficiency still with Reid's gambit, namely, that it is dominated by a much more straightforward strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

In issuing the order, Langhorne Bond, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, cited "grave and potentially dangerous deficiencies" in a plate that reinforces engine mountings on the wing.

The New York Times

"I learned that these inspections are turning up grave and potentially dangerous deficiencies in many of the pylon mountings now being checked as a result of that order.

The New York Times

A letter addressed to the White House chief of staff and signed by four of the five commission members was circulated Friday criticizing the fifth member, Gregory B. Jaczko, its chairman, and expressing "grave concerns" that his deficiencies as a leader could compromise nuclear safety.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave deficiencies", ensure the context warrants the strong language. Reserve it for situations where the shortcomings have significant, potentially harmful consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "grave deficiencies" when describing minor issues. This phrase carries a weight of seriousness; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave deficiencies" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grave" modifies the noun "deficiencies". It is used to describe the severity or seriousness of the shortcomings or flaws being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave deficiencies" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase employed to underscore significant and serious shortcomings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate across various formal contexts, including news, academia and science, making it suitable for scenarios requiring a heightened emphasis on the severity of the identified flaws. Remember to consider the context and avoid overuse in less critical situations to maintain its impact. Alternative phrases, such as "serious shortcomings" or "critical flaws", can be used depending on the desired level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious shortcomings

Replaces "grave" with "serious", reducing the intensity of the criticism.

critical flaws

Substitutes both "grave" and "deficiencies" with synonyms that emphasize the severity of the problem.

major weaknesses

Uses less formal language, suitable for less critical contexts.

significant failings

Highlights the failure aspect of the deficiencies, adding a sense of responsibility or blame.

severe inadequacies

Emphasizes the lack of something important or necessary.

profound limitations

Focuses on inherent restrictions or constraints.

deep-seated problems

Suggests the issues are fundamental and difficult to resolve.

fundamental defects

Highlights issues that are essential and intrinsic to the subject.

glaring omissions

Focuses on what is missing rather than what is present and flawed.

acute vulnerabilities

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack due to the deficiencies.

FAQs

How can I use "grave deficiencies" in a sentence?

You can use "grave deficiencies" to describe significant shortcomings that could have serious consequences. For example, "The audit revealed "grave deficiencies" in the company's financial controls."

What are some alternatives to "grave deficiencies"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "serious shortcomings", "critical flaws", or "major weaknesses" to convey a similar meaning without the same level of intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "grave deficiencies" in a formal setting?

Yes, "grave deficiencies" is suitable for formal settings, particularly when discussing serious issues that require attention. However, ensure the level of formality matches the context of the discussion.

What distinguishes "grave deficiencies" from "minor flaws"?

"Grave deficiencies" indicates serious, potentially damaging issues, whereas "minor flaws" refers to small, less significant imperfections. The choice depends on the severity of the problem you are describing.