is inadequate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is inadequate for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something does not meet the necessary standards or requirements for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "The current budget is inadequate for the project's needs, and we will need to seek additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it is inadequate for cycling even at my level.

The New York Times - Tech

Yet testing is inadequate for these purposes as well.

The New York Times

"As grandiose as Mike's expensive habitat may look, it is inadequate for a tiger.

The New York Times - Sports

They have income, but their income is inadequate for some of their primary needs, particularly housing".

The New York Times

Security is inadequate for elections, residents say, an argument that others elsewhere have also made.

The New York Times

First, provision is inadequate for risks occurring early in working life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Spalton says the scale of the problem is such that existing funding is inadequate for providing protection to vulnerable communities.

The Guardian

That land is inadequate for supporting wildlife, or from what I hear, any other kind of life".

The New York Times - Magazine

Designed primarily for video and sound, its image resolution is inadequate for alphanumeric data except in relatively small amounts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, this approximation is inadequate for silicon atoms.

Nanoscale Research Letters

However, such justification is inadequate for open consent to succeed.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is inadequate for", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is failing to meet. Be specific about the requirements or standards that are not being met to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is inadequate for" without specifying the exact reasons for the inadequacy. Simply stating that something is inadequate without providing context weakens the statement and leaves room for misinterpretation. For example, instead of saying "The funding is inadequate", specify "The funding is inadequate for covering the necessary research expenses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inadequate for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, indicating that a subject lacks the necessary qualities or resources to fulfill a specific purpose or requirement. Ludwig examples show it linking a subject with its inability to meet a defined need.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is inadequate for" effectively communicates that something fails to meet the necessary requirements or standards for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in science and news. While alternatives like "is insufficient for" or "falls short of" exist, clarity in specifying the reason for inadequacy remains crucial for effective communication. Remember to be specific about what the subject fails to achieve to avoid ambiguity. With a diverse range of authoritative sources employing this phrase, its relevance and utility in expressing deficiency are well-established.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is insufficient for

This alternative emphasizes a lack of quantity or degree needed.

is unsuitable for

This suggests that something is not appropriate or fitting for a certain purpose.

falls short of

This indicates that something does not reach a required level or standard.

is unsuited to

This alternative focuses on the incompatibility of something with a specific purpose.

is not up to par for

This phrase implies that something fails to meet a required standard.

is unequal to

This suggests an imbalance or mismatch between something and a required task or standard.

is ill-equipped for

This emphasizes a lack of the necessary resources or tools.

is deficient in

This highlights a lack of a necessary quality or element.

is not designed for

This points out that something was not intended or created for a particular use.

is not good enough for

This is a more informal way of expressing that something doesn't meet the necessary standards.

FAQs

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

Use "is inadequate for" to express that something doesn't meet the necessary requirements for a specific purpose. For example, "The current budget "is inadequate for" the project's needs".

What are some alternatives to "is inadequate for"?

You can use alternatives such as "is insufficient for", "falls short of", or "is unsuitable for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is inadequate for" or "is inadequate to"?

"Is inadequate for" is generally preferred and more common. "Is inadequate to" is less frequently used and can sound awkward in many contexts. It's better to use "is inadequate for" followed by the purpose or reason.

What does "is inadequate for" mean?

The phrase "is inadequate for" means that something does not meet the necessary standards or requirements needed to achieve a particular purpose or fulfill a specific need. It indicates a deficiency or insufficiency in the subject.