insufficient water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "insufficient water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where there is a lack of water, such as in discussions about agriculture, hydration, or environmental issues. Example: "The plants are wilting due to insufficient water, and we need to increase irrigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eating large amounts of whole seeds with insufficient water could cause an intestinal blockage.

The Washington Post

例子 Insufficient water resource might eventually lead to civil war.

Harvard University

As a result during the dry season, there was insufficient water to run both the irrigation and the hydro simultaneously.

The Guardian

OSHA focused on fire-related hazards, including a missing section of standpipe that delayed the flow of water to firefighters, and insufficient water supply and water pressure.

The New York Times

The insufficient water pressure meant scientists could not use the necropsy rooms, which are used to examine dead animals, according to witnesses on the island.

The New York Times

A soil water surplus was only found under BOI, while insufficient water replenishment existed under the other seven vegetation types.

Journal of Hydrology

Should rainfall patterns change as the climate warms, there may be insufficient water to fill the canal and its locks and also meet Nicaragua's water needs, scientists say.

Yale University

But in recent years the canal has held insufficient water for a full paddy crop forcing Mr Reddy to supplement it with groundwater.

The Economist

Over all, at the seven municipal beaches surveyed, one of every five drinking fountains was found to be unusable because of insufficient water pressure or broken spigots.

The New York Times

Irregularities of climate and insufficient water continue to plague the region, but the completion of Alqueva dam should help to alleviate these problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Except for some areas up in the hill region of Shandong, where there is still insufficient water, I would say the drought is under control".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the effects of "insufficient water", be specific about the consequences, such as reduced crop yields, health problems, or ecological damage.

Common error

Avoid using "insufficient water" interchangeably with water pollution. While both relate to water issues, "insufficient water" refers to quantity, while water pollution refers to quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "insufficient water" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "insufficient" modifies the noun "water". It describes a condition or state of lacking an adequate amount of water. Ludwig AI validates its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "insufficient water" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term referring to a lack of adequate water. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the phrase appears frequently across various contexts, especially in science, news media, and formal business publications. It is used to describe problems related to water scarcity, affecting agriculture, health, and the environment. Alternatives include "inadequate water supply" and "lack of water". When using the phrase, it's important to be specific about the consequences, and avoid confusing it with water pollution, which concerns water quality rather than quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inadequate water supply

Replaces "insufficient" with "inadequate", emphasizing the lack of sufficient supply.

Lack of water

A more direct and simple way to express the absence of enough water.

Water scarcity

Focuses on the condition of water being scarce or limited.

Water shortage

Highlights a temporary or ongoing period of insufficient water.

Limited water resources

Emphasizes the restricted availability of water resources.

Deficient water

Uses "deficient" to indicate a lack or shortage of water.

Reduced water availability

Indicates that the amount of water available has decreased.

Poor water supply

Suggests that the water supply is not adequate or of good quality.

Inadequate hydration

Specifically refers to not having enough water for health or bodily functions.

Drought conditions

Describes the environmental state where water is severely lacking due to prolonged dryness.

FAQs

What are the consequences of "insufficient water" for agriculture?

The consequences of "insufficient water" for agriculture can be severe, leading to reduced crop yields, increased irrigation costs, and potential crop failure. This can result in food shortages and economic hardship for farmers.

How does "insufficient water" affect human health?

"Insufficient water" can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and other health problems. It can also contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases if people are forced to use contaminated sources.

What are some synonyms for "insufficient water"?

Alternatives to "insufficient water" include "inadequate water supply", "lack of water", or "water scarcity", depending on the context.

How does climate change contribute to "insufficient water"?

Climate change can exacerbate "insufficient water" issues by altering rainfall patterns, increasing evaporation rates, and leading to more frequent and severe droughts. These changes can strain water resources and make it more difficult to meet demand.