insufficient documentation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient documentation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lack of adequate or necessary information or records in a particular context, such as in reports, applications, or audits. Example: "The application was rejected due to insufficient documentation provided by the applicant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

In actuality, Black said, it was merely a case of "insufficient documentation".

The New Yorker

"There was insufficient documentation to show that all the tests he billed for were ordered by referring physicians.

The New York Times

In the unfinished cases, the commission said, it has received insufficient documentation from universities and is awaiting more evidence.

The New York Times

"Insufficient documentation was available regarding payments made into bank accounts controlled by Mr. Delaney and other third parties".

The New York Times

In car industry companies today, human simulation tools are used by a single or a few experts in an informal working process with insufficient documentation.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

At Baptist Medical Center, where one patient died, the charges involved "inappropriate medical care and management". At Montefiore, where the other patient died, the charges involved failure "to provide timely and appropriate care". St . Lukes-Roosevelt was cited for lengthy delays in caring for patients and insufficient documentation of patient charts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Funding reimbursement will be delayed or denied for applications that are incomplete or provide insufficient supporting documentation.

University of California, Berkeley

Although stainless steels are commonly used in marine applications, there is insufficient HG10MNN documentation to permit its use in naval ship design.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

The 218 families comprised 944 individuals, of whom 424 were parents with a mean age of 40 years and 499 were children with a mean age of 11 years; 21 individuals had insufficient clinical documentation and were excluded from further analysis.

Plosone

One major risk factor is the introduction of purchased animals with insufficient health documentation [ 33].

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Of these, 698 cases were eliminated because of protocol deviations and/or insufficient data documentation, leaving 2817 for further analysis.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient documentation" in formal reports, specify what kind of documentation is missing and why it's important. For example, instead of saying "The report was rejected due to insufficient documentation", say "The report was rejected due to insufficient financial records to verify the expenses claimed."

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient documentation" as a vague excuse. Always clarify which specific documents are lacking and how they impact the situation. Saying, "There's just insufficient documentation" without specifics leaves the recipient in the dark and creates ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient documentation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of lacking necessary or adequate records. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

42%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient documentation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase indicating a lack of adequate records. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in scientific, news, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, specify the missing documentation and its impact, avoiding vague generalizations. Alternatives like "inadequate paperwork" or "incomplete records" can be used depending on the context. Be aware that providing more clarity and precise description will significantly improve the overall quality of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate paperwork

Replaces "documentation" with the more informal "paperwork", implying the lack of necessary forms or documents. It is similar to but slightly less formal than the original phrase.

deficient records

Uses the more formal "deficient" to describe the inadequacy of the records, while largely maintaining the same meaning.

incomplete records

Focuses on the records themselves being not fully present or filled out, rather than the general documentation process. Meaning is preserved.

lack of supporting evidence

Highlights the absence of evidence to substantiate a claim or action, whereas "documentation" refers to any recorded information. The semantic field is only slightly altered.

missing documents

Emphasizes that the physical or digital documents are absent, narrowing the scope from the broader term "documentation". The meaning is very close, but focuses on the documents.

poorly documented

Shifts the focus to the quality of the documentation, indicating that it exists but is of low standard or detail. Slightly changes the nuance.

insufficient evidence

Emphasizes the lack of proof or substantiation, which documentation is often meant to provide. It is only slightly changed.

lack of substantiation

Highlights the absence of proof or validation for a claim or action, where "documentation" is meant to provide that confirmation. Meaning is similar but more specific.

unsubstantiated claims

Focuses on claims lacking supporting documentation. It describes results or information instead of actions. The core meaning is close, but use case is altered.

inadequate information

Emphasizes that the amount of information isn't enough. The change in focus is a little more pronounced compared to other options.

FAQs

What does "insufficient documentation" mean?

It means there's a lack of adequate or necessary information or records to support a claim, action, or process.

What can I say instead of "insufficient documentation"?

You can use alternatives like "inadequate paperwork", "incomplete records", or "lack of supporting evidence" depending on the context.

How do I avoid providing "insufficient documentation"?

Ensure you understand the documentation requirements fully, gather all necessary documents, and double-check for completeness and accuracy before submitting.

Is "insufficient documentation" a common reason for rejection?

Yes, "insufficient documentation" is a frequent reason for rejection in various processes, such as loan applications, visa applications, and research submissions.