has been found wanting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been found wanting" is grammatically correct and is used in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has done something that did not meet expectations or was inadequate. An example sentence: The team's performance in the championship game has been found wanting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Yet it has been found wanting.

The Economist

Either way, he has been found wanting.

The Guardian

He has been found wanting by recession.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even its famous welfare system has been found wanting.

The Economist

In the face of wobbly banks and a swooning economy, Germany's chancellor has been found wanting.

The Economist

That it came to this raises questions for David Cameron whose judgment has been found wanting.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

All three have been found wanting.

The New York Times

Today's rules have been found wanting.

The Economist

Its bureaucrats have been found wanting.

The Economist

In Iraq, this assessment and the expectations to which it gave rise have been found wanting.

The Washington Post

People have worked them out, though, and in the second half of the season they have been found wanting.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has been found wanting", ensure the context clearly identifies what standard or expectation has not been met. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "has been found wanting" when a simple statement of preference or taste is intended. The phrase implies a more significant deficiency or failure to meet a specific requirement, not just personal liking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been found wanting" functions as a judgmental statement, indicating that something or someone has failed to meet a certain standard or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been found wanting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a failure to meet expectations or standards. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is commonly employed in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, ensure you clearly define the unmet expectation for maximum impact. Alternative phrases like "has proven inadequate" or "has fallen short" may be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has proven inadequate

Emphasizes a lack of suitability or effectiveness, focusing on the outcome.

has fallen short

Highlights a failure to reach a specific standard or expectation.

has not measured up

Indicates a failure to meet a required level or quality.

has been deficient

Focuses on the lack of something essential or necessary.

has been lacking

Simply states the absence of something needed.

has failed to deliver

Highlights a failure to produce the expected results.

has shown inadequacy

Highlights demonstration of insufficient quality or quantity.

has underperformed

Specifically refers to performing below expectations, often in a measurable way.

has disappointed

Focuses on the negative emotional impact of not meeting expectations.

is not up to par

Indicates something is below the required standard or level.

FAQs

How can I use "has been found wanting" in a sentence?

Use "has been found wanting" to indicate that something or someone has failed to meet expectations or standards. For example, "The team's performance in the final quarter "has been found wanting", leading to their defeat."

What are some alternatives to "has been found wanting"?

You can use alternatives such as "has proven inadequate", "has fallen short", or "has not measured up" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been found wanting" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been found wanting" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in news reports, academic papers, and business documents to express a failure or inadequacy.

What's the difference between "has been found wanting" and "has been lacking"?

"Has been found wanting" implies a judgment or assessment of inadequacy, while "has been lacking" simply states the absence of something. The former suggests a failure to meet an expectation, the latter just indicates a deficiency.