inadequate data

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate data" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to data that is insufficient or lacking in quality for a specific purpose or analysis. Example: "The research findings were inconclusive due to the inadequate data collected during the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She continued, "Stereotypes can come from social science that can come from inadequate data".

The New York Times - Books

"It's very difficult because stereotypes can come from social science that can come from inadequate data.

The New York Times - Books

With inadequate data collection, we will be less able to deal with floods and forest fires.

The Guardian

These include inadequate data validation, insecure data storage and inadequate authentication mechanisms.

University of California, Berkeley

Past studies have given ambiguous answers to these questions, largely due to inadequate data.

Stanford University

Citing inadequate data, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has no recommendation, either for or against the testing.

The New York Times - Health

But as the analyst Jamie McMillan points out, the figure has been sexed up from inadequate data.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hampered by inadequate data, her campaign grasped the danger to her supremacy in these states too late.

The New York Times

Inadequate data describe pancreatitis as a complication in women with acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

In addition, the study had to omit another 76 probable PADDDS for mining, because of inadequate data.

Yale University

The data.bris project identified a case where an inadequate data management plan had led to a research grant proposal being rejected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting findings based on limited information, explicitly state that your conclusions are preliminary and subject to change pending further data collection. This enhances transparency and manages expectations.

Common error

Avoid making definitive statements or strong claims when your analysis is based on "inadequate data". Instead, use hedging language such as "suggests", "indicates", or "may imply".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate data" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "inadequate" modifies the noun "data". According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to describe a situation where available information is insufficient or of poor quality. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in scientific research, news reporting, and academic studies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inadequate data" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that denotes a deficiency in the quantity or quality of available information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly within scientific, news, and academic domains. When facing "inadequate data", it's best practice to acknowledge the limitations and avoid overstating conclusions. Related phrases like "insufficient data" or "limited data" can be used depending on the specific context. While the phrase is generally negative, recognizing and addressing "inadequate data" transparently strengthens research and reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient data

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

deficient data

Substitutes "inadequate" with "deficient", highlighting the data's incompleteness.

incomplete data

Focuses specifically on the data being not fully formed or lacking parts.

limited data

Emphasizes the restricted amount or scope of the data available.

scarce data

Highlights the rarity or difficulty in obtaining the data.

poor data quality

Shifts the focus to the compromised quality of the data, rather than just the amount.

unreliable data

Indicates the data cannot be trusted due to its questionable accuracy or validity.

flawed data

Implies the data contains errors or defects that make it unsuitable.

weak data

Indicates the data is not strong enough to support a conclusion or analysis.

unsuitable data

Highlights that the data is not appropriate or fitting for the intended purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "inadequate data" to describe situations where the available information is insufficient or of poor quality, such as: "The study's conclusions were limited due to "inadequate data" on patient demographics."

What's the difference between "inadequate data" and "insufficient data"?

"Inadequate data" implies that the data is both lacking in quantity and possibly quality, while "insufficient data" primarily focuses on the lack of quantity. They are often interchangeable, but "inadequate" carries a slightly stronger connotation of overall unsuitability.

What can I say instead of "inadequate data"?

You can use alternatives like "limited data", "incomplete data", or "scarce data" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always negative to describe data as "inadequate data"?

Yes, describing data as "inadequate data" is generally negative. It indicates that the data is not sufficient or of good enough quality to support a particular analysis or decision. However, acknowledging "inadequate data" can be a responsible and transparent approach in research or reporting.