inadequate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'inadequate for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is not enough or sufficient enough to meet certain requirements or expectations. For example, "The level of security on the website was inadequate for protecting user data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

("Inadequate" for its part means "dire").

The Economist

"We're operating on data that are inadequate for the situation".

The New York Times

They have been shockingly and stunningly inadequate for decades.

The Guardian

However, some of them are inadequate for their purpose.

The Guardian

The bathrooms are inadequate for the population attending school.

The New York Times

Late and inadequate: for Nokia, it was a deadly combination.

The New Yorker

Our superannuation accounts are inadequate for too many older Australians.

The Guardian - Opinion

But a short story seems entirely inadequate for Pearson's needs.

The New York Times - Books

But it is inadequate for cycling even at my level.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet testing is inadequate for these purposes as well.

The New York Times

The CPF has begun to look inadequate for many Singaporeans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate for", ensure that the context clearly specifies what the subject is insufficient for. Be precise to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The funding was inadequate", specify "The funding was inadequate for the project's scope".

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate for" in excessively general statements. Instead of saying "The tool is inadequate", specify "The tool is inadequate for complex data analysis", providing a clear scope of the inadequacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that something does not meet the requirements or expectations needed for a specific purpose. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in various contexts to express deficiency or insufficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inadequate for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something fails to meet the necessary requirements or expectations for a given purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. Its frequent occurrence in news, scientific literature, and formal business documents underscores its widespread applicability. To ensure clarity, writers should always specify the context or purpose for which something is deemed "inadequate". Remember, precise usage enhances communication, making your writing more effective and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient for

Focuses specifically on the lack of enough of something.

unsuitable for

Emphasizes a lack of appropriateness rather than a lack of sufficiency.

ill-equipped for

Highlights a lack of necessary resources or preparation.

falling short for

Suggests a failure to reach a desired standard.

unprepared for

Emphasizes a lack of readiness.

not up to the task for

More idiomatic, suggesting a failure to meet requirements.

deficient in

Focuses on a specific lacking quality.

lacking what's needed for

Highlights the absence of essential components.

unable to meet the needs of

Focuses on the inability to satisfy requirements.

not good enough for

A simpler, more direct way of expressing inadequacy.

FAQs

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

Use "inadequate for" to describe something that doesn't meet the requirements or expectations for a specific purpose. For example, "The security measures were "inadequate for" protecting sensitive data".

What are some alternatives to "inadequate for"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "unsuitable for", "insufficient for", or "not up to the task for".

Is it better to say "inadequate for" or "not adequate for"?

"Inadequate for" is generally preferred for its conciseness and fluency. While "not adequate for" is grammatically correct, "inadequate for" is often more direct and impactful.

What's the difference between "inadequate for" and "inappropriate for"?

"Inadequate for" means something is insufficient or not good enough for a specific purpose, while "inappropriate for" means something is unsuitable or not fitting for a particular situation. For example, a small container might be "inadequate for" holding a large volume, while a casual dress might be "inappropriate for" a formal event.