insufficient explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where the provided explanation does not adequately clarify or justify something. Example: "The report was submitted, but it contained an insufficient explanation of the methodology used."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is true, but it is an insufficient explanation.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are qualitative differences in public stature for which nostalgia is an insufficient explanation.

The New York Times

But even that is insufficient explanation for the weight of invective against "sink estates".

The Guardian

But museum officials' insufficient explanation of the work led to its hasty withdrawal, he said.

The New York Times

This, too, is an insufficient explanation, for no country, not even North Korea, lives in a vacuum.

The Guardian - Opinion

"My insufficient explanation was a big reason in this big election defeat," Mr. Kan said at a news conference.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Marketing power and the prospect of amusement are insufficient explanations.

The New York Times - Books

Toshiba financial officials, it said, had "deliberately provided insufficient explanations to auditors, with the intention of carrying out a systematic cover-up".

The New York Times

For example, existing research has provided insufficient explanations as to the limited mobility of immigrants.

European Transport Research Review

Although there are relationships between drug use and criminal behavior, these behaviors alone are insufficient explanations for one another in an adult reentry population.

Health & Justice

The results of this study also suggest that although temporal relationships between drug use and rearrest may occur, these associations alone are insufficient explanations for both behaviors in an adult reentry population.

Health & Justice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient explanation", ensure you specify what alternative factors or details would provide a more complete understanding. For example, "The initial hypothesis provided an insufficient explanation, but further research clarified the underlying mechanism."

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is an "insufficient explanation" without indicating why it is insufficient. Providing context and pointing out the missing elements will strengthen your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient explanation" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to evaluate the quality or completeness of an explanation. It signifies that the explanation provided fails to adequately clarify or justify a particular matter. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient explanation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression employed to indicate that a provided explanation is inadequate or incomplete. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across various domains, including News & Media and Science. While contexts like Encyclopedias and Wiki are less represented. When employing the phrase "insufficient explanation", ensure to specify what is lacking in the explanation and what would constitute a more complete or satisfactory account. Common alternatives include "inadequate justification" and "lacking clarification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate justification

Emphasizes the lack of proper support or reason provided.

unsatisfactory rationale

Highlights that the reasoning behind something is not acceptable.

lacking clarification

Focuses on the absence of clear details or understanding.

deficient account

Suggests the description or report is incomplete or flawed.

incomplete exposition

Points out that the explanation is not fully developed or presented.

poorly explained

Highlights the low quality of the given explanation.

sketchy details

Indicates that the information provided is vague and lacks substance.

vague account

Focuses on the lack of precision and clarity in the explanation.

tenuous grounds

Highlights the weakness or fragility of the reasoning presented.

weak justification

Underlines the inadequacy of the reasons or support provided.

FAQs

What does "insufficient explanation" mean?

The phrase "insufficient explanation" indicates that the provided explanation does not adequately clarify or justify a particular situation, event, or phenomenon.

How to use "insufficient explanation" in a sentence?

You can use "insufficient explanation" to describe a situation where the provided rationale is not convincing or complete. Example: "The initial data offered an "insufficient explanation" for the observed phenomenon, necessitating further investigation."

What are some alternatives to "insufficient explanation"?

Alternatives include "inadequate justification", "unsatisfactory rationale", or "lacking clarification" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "inadequate explanation" or "insufficient explanation"?

Both "inadequate explanation" and "insufficient explanation" are valid and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Inadequate" might suggest a greater degree of deficiency.