insufficient supply

USAGE SUMMARY

"insufficient supply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an inadequate amount of something, especially something necessary for successful operation. For example, "The hospital was unable to adequately serve its patients due to an insufficient supply of medical professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In fact, the world is already paying for insufficient supply.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rep. of Korea has insufficient supply of energy resource.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

The biggest fear last fall was an insufficient supply of vaccine against smallpox.

The New York Times

During post annealing a complete reoxidization of samples is inhibited by an insufficient supply of oxygen.

Nature

Walt Riker, a company spokesman, said there was an insufficient supply of the right oil in the United States then.

The New York Times - Food

"Last year there was an overwhelming demand for traditional rentals in Manhattan and an insufficient supply," he continued.

The New York Times

However, landlords reported that there was an insufficient supply of new properties for downsizers to move to.

The Guardian

Representative Joe Barton, Republican of Texas, said insufficient supply is the main driver behind rising energy prices.

The New York Times

An insufficient supply of oxygen under thermal stress is thought to underlie thermal limits in aquatic animals including teleost fish.

Stanford University

An insufficient supply will lead to slower cellular proliferation rates and eventual apoptosis.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

If there is insufficient supply of high quality teachers, the charter school movement will not be replicable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "insufficient supply", be specific about what is lacking and the consequences of the shortage. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient supply" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct word like "shortage" or "lack" would suffice. Choose the term that best fits the tone and complexity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient supply" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient supply" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a situation where something is lacking. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across varied contexts, from scientific research to news reports. While alternatives like "shortage" or "limited supply" exist, "insufficient supply" often fits more formal registers. Understanding the nuances of its usage allows for more precise and impactful writing. Remember to be specific about what's lacking when using this phrase for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inadequate supply

Changes "insufficient" to "inadequate", maintaining a similar level of formality but with a slightly different nuance.

lack of supply

Changes the structure to emphasize the absence of supply.

limited supply

Replaces "insufficient" with "limited", suggesting the supply exists but is not abundant enough.

scarce supply

Emphasizes the rarity or difficulty in obtaining the supply.

inadequate stock

Substitutes "supply" with "stock", implying a stored quantity is insufficient.

restricted supply

Suggests the supply is intentionally controlled and limited.

shortage

A more concise term indicating a lack of something. Less formal than "insufficient supply".

meager supply

Highlights that the supply is not just insufficient, but also poor in quality or amount.

deficit

Implies a quantifiable lack, often used in economic contexts.

dearth of supply

A more formal and literary way of saying there is a significant lack.

FAQs

What does "insufficient supply" mean?

Insufficient supply means that there is not enough of something available to meet a need or demand. It indicates a shortage or deficiency.

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

You can use "insufficient supply" to describe situations where resources, goods, or services are lacking. For example: "The project was delayed due to an insufficient supply of materials."

What are some alternatives to "insufficient supply"?

Some alternatives include "inadequate supply", "limited supply", "shortage", or "deficit", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "insufficient supply" and "short supply"?

"Insufficient supply" and "short supply" are very similar. While "insufficient" emphasizes not being enough, "short" emphasizes being below the required amount. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.