insufficient capability

USAGE SUMMARY

"insufficient capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is missing the ability or resources required to do something. For example, "The robot had insufficient capability to complete the complex task."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Nevertheless, traditional polymeric membranes have demonstrated insufficient capability for CO2 removal because the performance of these membranes is primarily controlled by the diffusion of various gases based on their molecular sizes.

Progress in Polymer Science

However, when high concentration of TOP (e.g. 12 mmol) was used, the synthesized nanowires would have a curved morphology (see Fig. 2a), reflecting the insufficient capability of TOP for the protection of nanowires' sidewalls.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The panel deemed the Pentagon's current strategic plan inadequate, unaffordable, and leaving large gaps, including an insufficient capability to respond to domestic terrorism.

Huffington Post

The low satisfaction with FCHVs' services might have reflected caregivers' evaluations of FCHVs' insufficient capability.

BMC Health Services Research

However, BOMAC cells are inherently dysfunctional; lacking several receptors and possessing an insufficient capability to phagocytose MAP[ 8, 15].

BMC Genomics

At extreme high temperatures, biological performance also falls off rapidly: problems include insufficient capability of respiratory and circulatory systems to meet increased demand for oxygen (Portner 2002), protein denaturation, and membrane dysfunction due to increased fluidity (Hochachka and Somero 2002).

Biogerontology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This problem is far too important to be left to the clearly insufficient capabilities of BP, and far too important to be hobbled by petty concerns between the oil companies.

The New York Times

Many studies have presented the use of external knowledge, resources, and human power as means of utilizing SMEs' strengths and as factors that offset their insufficient capabilities in internal R&D [11 14].

International Journal of Quality Innovation

Support from developed countries to the once registered REDD-plus countries must be in place, so that countries with insufficient capacity and capability could strengthen the data collection system in that country, which can be used later to establish a more sophisticated RL.

Carbon Balance and Management

It said "The root causes of the parts shortages were: Tesla's hubris in adding far too much new technology to the Model X in version 1, insufficient supplier capability validation, and Tesla not having broad enough internal capability to manufacture the parts in-house". I'm sure they had thought this through and had all sorts of plans to get the parts they needed and manufacture the cars.

Forbes

However, exosome insufficient targeting capability limits their clinical applications.

Biomaterials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing limitations, be specific about what kind of "insufficient capability" is present. Instead of stating a general "insufficient capability", specify whether it relates to technical skills, resources, or infrastructure.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient capability" as a vague, catch-all term. Instead, identify the specific area where capability is lacking. For example, instead of saying "The team has insufficient capability", specify "The team has insufficient technical capability" or "The team has insufficient project management capability".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient capability" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes a state of lacking adequate ability or capacity. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it often specifies a particular area where ability is lacking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient capability" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English. It describes a lack of adequate ability or resources to perform a specific task or function. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides various examples demonstrating its use in different contexts. While the phrase is commonly found in scientific and news sources, it is essential to use it specifically and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "inadequate capacity" or "limited ability" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By understanding the context and choosing the right alternatives, you can effectively communicate the idea of lacking sufficient ability or resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate capacity

Replaces "capability" with "capacity" and "insufficient" with "inadequate", both implying a lack of something required.

limited ability

Substitutes "capability" with "ability" and "insufficient" with "limited", indicating a restriction in one's power to perform.

deficient capacity

Uses "deficient" instead of "insufficient", emphasizing a lack or shortage in capacity.

lacking competence

Replaces "capability" with "competence" and "insufficient" with "lacking", focusing on a lack of necessary skills.

inadequate resources

Shifts the focus from general ability to a specific lack of "resources" required to perform.

restricted potential

Emphasizes the limitation on future possibilities due to a current insufficiency.

poor performance

Focuses on the outcome (performance) resulting from an underlying lack of capability.

underdeveloped capacity

Highlights the incomplete or immature state of a particular capacity.

shortcomings in ability

Explicitly points out "shortcomings" or flaws in one's general abilities.

absence of competence

Emphasizes a complete lack of necessary skills or qualifications.

FAQs

How can I use "insufficient capability" in a sentence?

You can use "insufficient capability" to describe a lack of ability or resources required to perform a task or fulfill a role. For example, "The device has insufficient capability to process the large amount of data."

What phrases are similar to "insufficient capability"?

Alternatives include "inadequate capacity", "limited ability", and "deficient capacity". Each emphasizes a lack of required resources or skills.

Is it more appropriate to say "insufficient capacity" or "insufficient capability"?

Both "insufficient capacity" and "insufficient capability" can be appropriate depending on the context. "Capacity" often refers to the amount something can hold or produce, while "capability" refers to the ability to do something. Use "insufficient capacity" when referring to volume or output and "insufficient capability" when talking about the ability to perform a specific task.

What's the difference between "insufficient capability" and "lack of skill"?

"Insufficient capability" is a broader term that can encompass a lack of resources, skills, or other abilities. "Lack of skill" specifically refers to a deficiency in expertise or proficiency in a particular area. While "lack of skill" can contribute to insufficient capability, the latter can also stem from other factors, such as inadequate tools or funding.