inadequate amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is insufficient or not enough for a particular purpose or need. Example: "The project was delayed due to an inadequate amount of resources allocated to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In that condition, a temporary loss of consciousness results from an inadequate amount of blood flowing to the brain.

The New York Times

Specifically, they kept an inadequate amount of capital on hand so that a small decline in assets or borrowing power left them in a highly vulnerable position.

The New York Times

Because of his anemia, there was an inadequate amount of oxygen being delivered to his tissues, a problem requiring a blood transfusion.

Cornell University

As in many jurisdictions, the study found that Indiana public defenders are overworked and spend an inadequate amount of time preparing for individual cases.

The Washington Post

Vaso-vagal syncope is a common condition in which a temporary loss of consciousness results from an inadequate amount of blood flowing to the brain.

The New York Times

He said the Republican plan would savage Medicare by giving each beneficiary a fixed, inadequate amount of money to buy private insurance.

The New York Times

***** The next day, I give an inadequate amount of money to Nakul's mother, who looks heartbreakingly happy to receive it, and then we bump into a team of Indian doctors setting off for villages two days' walk away.

The Guardian

"The victims were found to have an inadequate amount of food and were living in an unsuitable and unsafe environment due to the conditions located on the property," the sheriff's news release said.

The Washington Post

Before funding became such an urgent issue, several Kansas school districts had filed a finance lawsuit against the state alleging that schools were receiving an inadequate amount of money under the state constitution.

The Guardian

But I often see an inadequate amount of time spent where the day-to-day, most frequent touchpoints are, which is with all the other ways the people in the company are their users.

Harvard Business Review

When physicians spend an inadequate amount of time with their patients, the patients may not fully understand the importance of complying with all aspects of their recommended treatments, which eventually leads to deteriorating health and higher treatment costs.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate amount of", ensure you clearly specify what the deficiency is affecting. For example, instead of saying "there was an inadequate amount of", state "there was an "inadequate amount of" funding for the project" to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate amount of" without specifying the consequences or implications. Simply stating there is an "inadequate amount of" something lacks impact; instead, explain how this inadequacy affects the situation or outcome. For example, say, "The "inadequate amount of" sleep led to decreased cognitive function" rather than just, "There was an "inadequate amount of" sleep".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate amount of" functions as a modifier to a noun, indicating that the quantity of something is insufficient or not enough to meet a particular need or requirement. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase precedes nouns like "funding", "sleep", or "food".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inadequate amount of" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies a deficiency in quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a modifier. It's primarily used to express concern or criticism regarding insufficient resources or elements. The phrase appears most often in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. To ensure clarity, it's essential to specify what the inadequacy affects and avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives like "insufficient quantity of" or "scarce amount of" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient quantity of

Replaces "inadequate" with "insufficient", emphasizing the lack of enough quantity.

deficient quantity of

Uses "deficient" to highlight the shortage or lack of something necessary.

lack of sufficient

Highlights the absence of what is needed or enough.

scarce amount of

Focuses on the rarity or limited availability, similar to inadequacy.

limited quantity of

Highlights that the amount is restricted and not abundant.

insufficient volume of

Replaces "quantity" with "volume" emphasizing a deficit in capacity or space.

meager quantity of

Emphasizes that the quantity is small and unsatisfactory.

inappropriate quantity of

Indicates that the amount is not suitable or right for a particular purpose.

paltry amount of

Implies the amount is insignificant or worthless.

shortage of

Indicates a lack or deficit, focusing on the missing aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "inadequate amount of" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "insufficient quantity of", "deficient volume of", or "a scarcity of" instead of "inadequate amount of".

What are some common situations where the phrase "inadequate amount of" is used?

The phrase "inadequate amount of" is frequently used when discussing resources such as funding, time, food, or sleep, where a deficiency impacts outcomes or performance. You might say "an "inadequate amount of" funding" or "an "inadequate amount of" sleep".

How does "inadequate amount of" differ from "small amount of"?

"Inadequate amount of" implies that the quantity is not only small but also insufficient for a specific purpose or need, whereas "small amount of" simply indicates a low quantity without necessarily implying insufficiency. For example, a "small amount of" water might still be enough for a short task, but an "inadequate amount of" water would not meet the necessary requirements.

Is it correct to use "inadequate amount of" for both countable and uncountable nouns?

Yes, "inadequate amount of" can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. For example, you can say "inadequate amount of time" (uncountable) or "inadequate amount of resources" (countable).