inadequate reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate reply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a response that is insufficient or does not meet the expectations or requirements of the situation. Example: "The feedback I received was an inadequate reply to my detailed questions about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Still, when Vivian recalls Ashford telling her to see friends and says, "I just couldn't," the inadequate reply feels like Ms. Edson tipping the scales.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I just pootle around trying to do silly old me's inadequate best," Cromwell replies.

The Guardian - Books

But this reply is inadequate.

SEP

When I ask for a capsule summary to explain the lack of shared prosperity, he replies that "Inadequate political engagement is basically the headline.

Independent

For a start, he thinks far too nicely of journalists, once at the end of an interview offering me the run of his holiday home in Karuizawa.He had a habit in opposition of letting his press secretary answer questions for him if she felt his reply to be inadequate or if I was pressing him too hard and he was not rising to the challenge.

The Economist

The Democratic response was inadequate.

The New York Times

The response was hopelessly inadequate".

The New York Times

However, the Turnpike Authority replied citing that Route 522 would be inadequate to handle the amount of traffic by 2015 that Route 92 was to handle.

Wikipedia

That reply may be technically right, but it is wholly inadequate.

Independent

Of those that did reply, FIS says "a large proportion appear to have inadequate policies and implementation mechanisms".

The Economist

Asked what the government could do other than resettle them elsewhere, Leigh replied: "Anything short of third party settlement is inadequate for what these people need".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inadequate reply", ensure it clearly reflects the deficiency in the response, whether it's lacking in detail, accuracy, or relevance.

Common error

While "inadequate reply" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or sensitive contexts. Consider stronger, more precise language to convey the specific shortcomings of the response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate reply" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun (reply) to indicate its deficiency. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inadequate reply" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a response that is insufficient or unsatisfactory. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is most commonly found in news media, encyclopedia, and science contexts. When using "inadequate reply", consider the specific reasons for the response's inadequacy and whether a more precise alternative might be more suitable, especially in formal settings. Alternatives include "insufficient response" and "unsatisfactory answer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient response

This alternative emphasizes the lack of sufficiency in the response.

unsatisfactory answer

This alternative focuses on the answer not meeting expectations.

poor response

This alternative is more general and indicates a low quality response.

weak answer

This alternative highlights the lack of strength or persuasiveness in the answer.

deficient response

This alternative stresses the incompleteness of the response.

lacking answer

This alternative suggests that the answer is missing essential components.

unacceptable response

This alternative indicates that the response is not tolerable or allowable.

substandard reply

This alternative suggests that the reply is below the required or expected level.

inappropriate response

This alternative highlights that the response is unsuitable for the context.

flimsy reply

This alternative conveys the reply as insubstantial and unconvincing.

FAQs

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

You can use "inadequate reply" to describe a response that doesn't meet expectations. For example: "The politician's explanation was an inadequate reply to the reporter's question."

What are some alternatives to "inadequate reply"?

Alternatives to "inadequate reply" include "insufficient response", "unsatisfactory answer", or "poor response", depending on the specific context.

Is "inadequate reply" a formal or informal expression?

"Inadequate reply" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, a more precise term might be preferred.

What makes a reply "inadequate"?

A reply is "inadequate" when it fails to address the question or issue properly, lacking sufficient detail, accuracy, or relevance. The specific reason for inadequacy will vary depending on the situation.