insufficiency of materials

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficiency of materials" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a lack or shortage of necessary materials for a project or task. Example: "The construction project was delayed due to the insufficiency of materials required for the foundation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For all brain sections from the 18 h recovery time point, except for the pituitary gland due to insufficiency of available material, protein was extracted according to assay kit recommendations (Assay Designs, Ann Arbor, USA).

Archives of Toxicology

Until the 20th century, the spread of machine industry was retarded by customs & institutions that belonged to an earlier era of scarcity--an age marked by an insufficiency of extra-human energy, of material goods, & even food Natural scarcity & backward agricultural practices, plus socially enforced penury & deprivation, were the incentives to daily work.

The New Yorker

Against the reformers generally, he asserts the material insufficiency of Scripture: before the Gospels were ever written, the Spirit had inscribed Christ's teaching on the hearts of the faithful, and it is within this controlling context that the Gospels must be read.

SEP

Materials forty patients affected by primary chronic venous insufficiency of all clinical classes, with demonstrated duplex incompetence both of the sapheno femoral junction (SFJ) and the GSV trunk, with the re-entry perforator located on a GSV tributary.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

The judge declared: "I have come to the conclusion on the material put before us that, by reason of insufficiency of inquiry and the discovery of new facts or evidence, it is necessary or desirable in the interests of justice that a fresh investigation including a fresh inquest should be held".

The Guardian

The first dimension of the current problem is the insufficiency of resources while the second dimension stems from the lack of proper evaluation of the material to be used in conservation and restoration.

Building and Environment

ME: Life, tomorrow, the astonishing insufficiency of memory . . .

The New Yorker

One is certainly struck by the insufficiency of two genders.

The Guardian - Arts

In the packed courtroom, the insufficiency of his answer hung in the air like a gasp.

The New York Times

Jack Burden suffers from an insufficiency of ego and finds himself in thrall to a bully.

The New Yorker

This may cause insufficiency of DHA in the vegetarian population.

Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project constraints, specify the exact material that is insufficient to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project stalled due to the insufficiency of specialized alloys."

Common error

Avoid using "insufficiency of materials" without specifying which materials are lacking. Generic statements can be confusing. Be specific, such as, "insufficiency of steel" or "insufficiency of semiconductor components."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficiency of materials" functions as a noun phrase, specifically describing a state of lacking or not having enough material resources. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficiency of materials" is a grammatically correct way to describe a lack or shortage of material resources. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is acceptable, it's important to be specific about which materials are insufficient. Alternatives like "lack of materials" or "shortage of materials" can be used depending on the context. Using precise language improves clarity, especially in professional or technical settings. Since there are no usage examples for this exact phrase in the provided data, its frequency is determined to be missing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lack of materials

Replaces "insufficiency" with "lack", offering a more direct synonym.

Shortage of materials

Substitutes "insufficiency" with "shortage", indicating a limited supply.

Deficiency of materials

Employs "deficiency" in place of "insufficiency", highlighting an inadequacy.

Scarcity of materials

Uses "scarcity" to denote a rare or insufficient availability.

Limited supply of materials

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of materials available.

Inadequate quantity of materials

Focuses on the insufficient amount of materials present.

Insufficient material resources

Rephrases to emphasize the inadequacy of material resources.

Paucity of materials

Replaces "insufficiency" with "paucity", indicating a small or scarce amount.

Dearth of materials

Uses "dearth" to signify a lack or scarcity.

Incomplete material provision

Highlights the unfinished or lacking supply of materials.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "insufficiency of materials" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a deficit of materials", "a paucity of resources", or "an inadequate supply of materials" depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "insufficiency of materials" and "shortage of materials"?

While similar, "shortage of materials" often implies a temporary lack due to external factors like supply chain issues. "Insufficiency of materials" can also indicate a more fundamental lack of adequate resources or planning.

Is it correct to say "insufficiency in materials" instead of "insufficiency of materials"?

While "insufficiency in materials" isn't strictly incorrect, "insufficiency of materials" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. The preposition "of" is generally used to indicate what is lacking.

What are some common causes of "insufficiency of materials" in construction projects?

Common causes include poor planning, inaccurate estimation of required quantities, supply chain disruptions, unexpected demand increases, and budgetary constraints that limit the ability to procure necessary resources.