inadequate supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inadequate supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount of something available is insufficient to meet demand or needs. Example: "The project was delayed due to an inadequate supply of materials, which hindered progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inadequate supply of drugs is also a problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every day, I must make hard choices from among an inadequate supply of options.

The New Yorker

An inadequate supply of blood to the brain causes the lightheadedness and confusion.

The New York Times - Magazine

If there is an inadequate supply of thyroid hormone, erythropoiesis is retarded and anemia appears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Demand is rising sharply and there is inadequate supply to meet it, thanks to factors like a healthy global economy.

The New York Times

The inadequate supply of skills by the education system is also a major hindrance to youth accessing the labour market.

The Guardian

They snap up much of the grossly inadequate supply of new housing, most of it of the high-end kind.

The Guardian

Nutrition is a major concern in Maula and Chichiri prisons as inmates receive an inadequate supply of food.

The Guardian

There had been occurrences of inadequate supply for water in big cities and unexpected floods over the last few years.

Measurement

In addition, production activities are being limited by an inadequate supply of timber due to the country's rapidly degrading forests.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

Pediatric dermatology is one of the pediatric subspecialties with an inadequate supply to meet current patient needs.

The Journal of Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing causes, use "inadequate supply" to pinpoint a deficiency that impacts outcomes. For example: The project failed due to an "inadequate supply" of funding.

Common error

Avoid using "inadequate supply" as a general complaint without identifying the specific consequences. Instead of saying "There is an inadequate supply," specify, "The "inadequate supply" of medication led to increased patient suffering."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inadequate supply" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "inadequate" modifies the noun "supply". It describes a condition of deficiency, indicating that the available quantity is not sufficient to meet a particular need or demand. Ludwig AI confirms this common and grammatically sound usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inadequate supply" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to describe a deficiency or lack of something. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, though it is suitable for a range of registers. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the consequences of the deficiency and choosing synonyms to add variety to your writing. Mastering this phrase will add precision to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient quantity

Replaces 'supply' with 'quantity', emphasizing the amount is not enough.

limited availability

Focuses on the restricted access to the supply.

scarce resource

Highlights the rarity and potential value of the item in short supply.

deficient provision

Uses a more formal term, 'provision', to denote the act of supplying, which is lacking.

meager stock

Emphasizes the small or insufficient amount of the resource or product.

restricted access

Highlights that the accessibility to the resource is limited.

shortage issue

Directly points out the problem of not having enough.

dwindling reserves

Suggests a gradual reduction in the available supply over time.

depleted inventory

Focuses on the emptiness or near-emptiness of a store or reserve.

compromised distribution

Highlights issues with the distribution network rather than the supply itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "inadequate supply" to describe a situation where there isn't enough of something. For example, "The "inadequate supply" of housing is a major issue in the city."

What are some synonyms for "inadequate supply"?

Some synonyms for "inadequate supply" include "insufficient quantity", "limited availability", and "scarce resource".

Is it better to say "inadequate supply" or "short supply"?

Both "inadequate supply" and "short supply" are correct, but "inadequate supply" is often perceived as more formal. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What problems are associated with an "inadequate supply" of resources?

An "inadequate supply" of resources can lead to various problems, including project delays, increased costs, reduced quality, and unmet needs. Identifying the specific consequences can make your writing more impactful.