insufficient number

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient number" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a quantity that is not enough to meet the requirement. For example, "We received an insufficient number of applications for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asterisks indicate that there was an insufficient number of respondents.

The New York Times

Alas for Ed, an insufficient number of souls on his own side feel a similar ardour.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The D.O.T. claims there is an insufficient number of vehicles," he said.

The New York Times

Later, he lamented the insufficient number of mandatory drug treatment programs.

The New York Times

Military sources re ported that the shipment had included an insufficient number of magazines.

The New York Times

Some 3,200 eighth graders at charter schools also took the exams, an insufficient number to make national comparisons.

The New York Times

"An insufficient number of Taiwanese participated in the production of the film," said Teni Melidonian, a spokeswoman for the academy.

The New York Times

The Schundler suit maintained that an insufficient number of senators had been present when the Senate convened for a vote.

The New York Times

However, an insufficient number of cells can be obtained and cultured for cell transplantation.

Archives of Oral Biology

However, processing magnesium is difficult at room temperature due to insufficient number of slip systems.

Procedia Materials Science

The possible hazards of ISCr remain unknown due to the insufficient number of studies to reveal the entire overdischarge process.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "insufficient number", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the number is insufficient for. For example, "There was an insufficient number of staff to handle the increased workload" provides better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient number" without specifying the units or context. Saying "There is an insufficient number" is less informative than "There is an insufficient number of trained doctors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient number" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly usable in English and describes a quantity that isn't enough to meet the requirement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "insufficient number" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an inadequate quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It finds applications across diverse domains, including science, news media, and business. While suitable for both neutral and formal contexts, it is particularly prevalent in scenarios demanding precision. To enhance clarity, ensure that the context specifies precisely what the number refers to and what it is insufficient for. Alternatives such as "inadequate quantity" or "limited amount" may be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate quantity

Replaces "number" with the more general term "quantity", emphasizing the lack of a sufficient amount.

limited amount

Focuses on the restricted size of the quantity, suggesting scarcity.

scarce quantity

Highlights the rarity and limited availability of the amount in question.

deficient quantity

Indicates a lack or shortage, similar to "insufficient" but with a stronger emphasis on the deficit.

too few

A simpler, more direct way of expressing the lack of a sufficient number.

not enough

A basic and widely understood expression for insufficiency.

a shortage of

Emphasizes the lack or deficit in the context of supply or availability.

an undersupply of

Similar to "a shortage of", but more formal and specifically indicates that the supply is less than the demand.

a paucity of

A more formal and less common way to describe a small or insufficient quantity.

meager amount

Implies that the amount is not only insufficient but also small or poor in quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "insufficient number" to indicate that there isn't enough of something. For example, "The project failed due to an "insufficient number" of resources".

What are some alternatives to "insufficient number"?

Alternatives include "inadequate quantity", "limited amount", or "scarce quantity". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "insufficient number" or "not enough"?

"Insufficient number" is more formal and specific, while "not enough" is more general. Use "insufficient number" in formal writing or when precision is needed; "not enough" is suitable for everyday conversation.

What does "insufficient number" imply?

It implies a deficiency or shortage, suggesting that the lack of quantity is causing a problem or preventing a goal from being achieved. The severity of the problem depends on the context.