inadequate ability

USAGE SUMMARY

"inadequate ability" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a lack of capability or skill for a specific task. For example, "The applicant had an inadequate ability to perform the duties of the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This study was designed to help establish whether the heightened neonatal susceptibility of the lung to bioactivated cytotoxicants is the result of inadequate ability to detoxify reactive intermediates.

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

"I'm going to — with my inadequate ability to speak and project — I'm going to do everything I can with my lack of talent to bring attention to those guys," he said.

The New York Times

Long-term summit goals included initiating action affecting national, regional, and global supplies of nurse educators and helping to avert catastrophic failure of health care delivery systems caused by an inadequate ability to educate next-generation nurses.

Nursing Outlook

People drive cars, operate heavy machinery or work in factories with inadequate ability to see, causing loss of life and lost educational opportunities.

Forbes

Finally, a cash-strapped, nearly bankrupt state without a budget could result in the dangerously inadequate ability to provide for the safe transportation of HLRW in the immediate future, as department closures and staff reductions impede on the State's ability to safeguard the shipments or respond to transportation emergencies and accidents.

University of Chicago

patient preference for non-pharmacological treatments; poor tolerance or poor response to pharmaceuticals; negative side effects of medication; actual or planned pregnancy; history of overuse of acute care medication; significant stress; inadequate ability to cope with stress or pain; comorbid psychological disorders [19].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In part this was a function of his notoriously inadequate abilities as an orator, but it also reflected his desire to make the office of the presidency almost invisible.

Britannica

Ultimately, however, Washington concluded that he was "of inadequate abilities"; his known vice of drinking too much alcohol also concerned Washington.

Wikipedia

The limitations of subgroup analyses are well established false positives due to multiple comparisons, false negatives due to inadequate power, and limited ability to inform individual treatment decisions because patients have multiple characteristics that vary simultaneously.

British Medical Journal

However, the limitations of these analyses are well established false positives due to multiple comparisons, false negatives due to inadequate power, and limited ability to inform individual treatment decisions because patients have multiple characteristics that vary simultaneously.

British Medical Journal

The prevalence of inadequate functional ability was of 16.2% (95% CI: 13 19%) in the sample analyzed.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate ability", clearly specify the area or task where the ability is lacking to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate ability" without providing specific details about the skill or task in question. Be precise about what the inadequacy refers to, as vague statements can weaken your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate ability" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It specifies a deficiency in capability or skill. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inadequate ability" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a deficiency in skill or capacity. Ludwig AI, along with numerous examples from varied sources, supports its proper usage. While versatile, it's most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. For effective writing, specify the area of inadequacy to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "limited capacity" or "insufficient skill" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking competence

Indicates a general absence of the necessary qualifications or skills.

insufficient skill

Focuses specifically on the lack of expertise or proficiency.

poor capability

Stresses the low quality of being able to do something.

limited capacity

Emphasizes the restricted amount of something that can be held or done.

limited proficiency

Focuses on the lack of advanced skill or expertise.

deficient aptitude

Highlights a natural lack of talent or inclination.

substandard performance

Highlights failure to meet the required level of achievement.

restricted potential

Emphasizes limitations on future development or achievement.

underdeveloped talent

Indicates a skill or ability that has not reached its full potential.

weak faculty

Implies a diminished or underdeveloped mental or physical power.

FAQs

How can I use "inadequate ability" in a sentence?

You can use "inadequate ability" to describe someone's lack of skill or capacity in a particular area. For instance, "Due to his inadequate ability to manage time, he often missed deadlines."

What are some alternatives to "inadequate ability"?

You can use alternatives like "insufficient skill", "limited capacity", or "lacking competence" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of ability" or "inadequate ability"?

"Lack of ability" is a more general term, while "inadequate ability" suggests that some ability exists but is not sufficient. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the complete absence or the insufficiency of a skill.

What's the difference between "inadequate ability" and "poor ability"?

"Inadequate ability" suggests that the ability is not sufficient for a particular task or purpose, while "poor ability" suggests that the ability is of low quality. The terms are often interchangeable, but "inadequate" emphasizes insufficiency, while "poor" emphasizes quality.