is inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

"is inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is not enough or insufficient. For example, "The amount of food provided for the homeless shelter is inadequate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Training is inadequate.

The Economist

Its verification scheme is inadequate.

The New York Times

It is "inadequate," she wrote.

The New York Times

Another is inadequate conservation techniques.

Independent

This characterization is inadequate, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But this approach is inadequate.

The New York Times

The index is inadequate.

The New York Times - Food

"The plan is inadequate.

The New York Times

"The compensation is inadequate.

The New York Times - Arts

And, parking is inadequate.

The New York Times

Reconstruction financing is inadequate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives if you aim to convey a more forceful sense of deficiency, such as "is critically flawed" or "is wholly insufficient".

Common error

Avoid using "is inadequate" without clearly specifying the standard or requirement that is not being met. For example, instead of saying "The plan is inadequate", specify "The plan is inadequate to meet the project's objectives".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inadequate" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to express that it does not meet a required standard or expectation. As Ludwig AI notes, this phrase indicates a deficiency or lack of suitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

8%

Huffington Post

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is inadequate" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a deficiency or lack of suitability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and professional communication. To ensure clarity, always specify what the subject is inadequate for. Consider stronger alternatives like "is insufficient" or "is deficient" to convey a stronger sense of lacking. Remember that while the phrase is versatile it must me employed in the correct syntax context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is insufficient

Replaces "inadequate" with "insufficient", highlighting a lack of necessary quantity or quality.

is deficient

Emphasizes a lack of something essential or necessary.

is lacking

Focuses on the absence of a required element or quality.

is not enough

Expresses that something fails to meet a required standard or amount.

is unfit

Suggests something is not suitable or prepared for a particular purpose.

is unacceptable

Implies that something does not meet a certain standard or requirement.

is not up to par

Indicates failure to meet an expected level of quality or performance.

falls short

Highlights the failure to reach a desired level or standard.

does not suffice

Focuses on the failure to be adequate or enough for a specific purpose.

is not satisfactory

Indicates that something does not meet the required level of satisfaction.

FAQs

How can I use "is inadequate" in a sentence?

You can use "is inadequate" to express that something is not sufficient or suitable for a particular purpose. For example, "The funding for the project is inadequate to cover all the expenses".

What are some alternatives to "is inadequate"?

Alternatives include "is insufficient", "is deficient", or "is lacking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is inadequate" or "is insufficient"?

Both "is inadequate" and "is insufficient" are similar in meaning, but "is inadequate" might suggest a broader range of deficiencies, while "is insufficient" more specifically points to a lack of quantity or amount.

What does it mean when something "is inadequate"?

When something "is inadequate", it means it does not meet the required standard or expectation. It implies a deficiency or lack of necessary qualities or resources.