insufficient to

USAGE SUMMARY

"insufficient to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not enough to achieve a certain result. For example, "The amount of money collected is insufficient to meet the high cost of repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's insufficient to need".

The New York Times

"The evidence is totally insufficient to support a conviction".

The New York Times

A $100 fine is simply insufficient to deter underage drinking.

The New York Times

"In reality, the cost effectiveness is insufficient to warrant it.

The New York Times - Sports

"Neuroscientist" seems insufficient to describe the wizardry of his accomplishments.

The New Yorker

But that was insufficient to slow Ms. Weinberg.

The New York Times

This is necessary, but insufficient, to fixing the net's woes.

The Guardian - Tech

But this seems insufficient to explain the result.

The New Yorker

Safety advocates said the rule was insufficient to protect consumers.

The New York Times

Mere reason is insufficient to convince us of its veracity.

The Guardian - Opinion

That the law might prove insufficient to salve my loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "insufficient to", ensure that the subject requiring sufficiency is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what exactly is "insufficient" for a particular task or purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient to" without specifying what standard or requirement is not being met. For instance, instead of saying "the data was insufficient", specify "the data was insufficient to draw a conclusion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, followed by a preposition. It indicates a lack of adequacy or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to express that something does not meet the required level or standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys a lack of adequacy or capability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to indicate that something does not meet a required standard or is not enough to achieve a specific outcome. Its usage spans across various contexts, most commonly in scientific and news media sources. While predominantly neutral to formal in register, it is essential to ensure clarity by specifying what standard is not being met. Alternatives include "inadequate for" or "not enough to", depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to avoid vague references and always clearly state what the subject is insufficient for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not enough to

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

does not suffice for

A more formal way of stating that something is not adequate.

inadequate for

Focuses on the lack of suitability or qualification, slightly different from a simple lack of sufficiency.

falls short of

Emphasizes the failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

cannot fulfill

Stresses the inability to satisfy a requirement or obligation.

lacking the capacity to

Highlights the absence of ability or power to achieve something.

deficient in

Implies a lack of a necessary component or quality.

unable to

A more general term indicating an inability to perform an action.

not up to par for

Indicates that something doesn't meet the expected standard or quality.

incommensurate with

Highlights a significant disparity in size or scale, making something unsuitable.

FAQs

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

Use "insufficient to" to indicate that something is not adequate or capable of achieving a particular outcome. For example, "The funds are insufficient to cover the expenses".

What are some alternatives to saying "insufficient to"?

You can use alternatives such as "inadequate for", "not enough to", or "falls short of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "insufficient to" or "not sufficient to"?

"Insufficient to" and "not sufficient to" are largely interchangeable. "Insufficient to" is slightly more formal and concise, while "not sufficient to" may be preferred in certain contexts for emphasis or clarity.

What does "insufficient to warrant" mean?

"Insufficient to warrant" means that something is not enough to justify or necessitate a particular action or decision. For example, "The evidence is insufficient to warrant further investigation".