is only adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is only adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something meets a minimum standard but does not exceed expectations. Example: "The current budget for the project is only adequate to cover basic expenses, leaving little room for unexpected costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Left tackle William Beatty is only adequate.

The New York Times

Its 165-horsepower engine is only adequate.

The New York Times

At the same time, he said, the school system is only adequate.

The New York Times

The food is only adequate, but you can get a beer or soda to enjoy outdoors.

The New York Times - Travel

But the force of any limited body is only adequate to moving a limited body.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

However, this extension is only adequate for a matching corresponding to surjective functions.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Vocally, however, the cast was only adequate.

The New York Times - Arts

And a lot of doctors are giving care that's only adequate.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, money damages are only adequate if they can be reasonably computed and collected.

Harvard University

My steak was only adequate, yet I found it oddly satisfying to be someplace that was at once kitschy and utterly free of irony.

The New York Times - Travel

This kit was designed for prolonged trips, but Mr. Tierney estimated that the contents were only adequate for six- to eight-day adventures.; LIGHT & FAST ADVENTURER $38, www.adventuremedicalkits.com.com

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is only adequate" to provide a fair and balanced assessment, especially when you want to acknowledge the fulfillment of basic requirements without exaggerating quality.

Common error

Avoid using "is only adequate" when a stronger, more positive description is warranted. Overusing it can create a negative impression, even if the subject meets the minimum requirements. Be mindful of the context and choose a more descriptive term when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only adequate" functions as a subjective assessment, typically used to express that something meets a minimum standard or requirement but does not exceed expectations. This assessment can be found in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is only adequate" is used to express that something meets the minimum requirements without exceeding expectations. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While it is a valid and useful phrase, writers should be aware of its slightly critical connotation and consider alternatives like "is merely sufficient" or "is just acceptable" depending on the intended tone. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase in cases where a more positive description is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely sufficient

Indicates a basic level of sufficiency, with an emphasis on just meeting the minimum requirements.

is just acceptable

Highlights that something barely meets the standard for acceptance, implying a lack of excellence.

is barely passable

Suggests the lowest level of acceptability, often implying some degree of deficiency.

is simply satisfactory

Conveys a sense of meeting expectations without exceeding them, focusing on contentment.

is good enough

An informal way of expressing that something meets the required standard, though not necessarily ideal.

is minimally compliant

Emphasizes adherence to a minimum set of rules or standards, often in a regulatory context.

is on the low end

Indicates a position at the lower spectrum of quality or performance, implying a deficiency.

is nothing special

Highlights the lack of distinctiveness or exceptional quality, pointing to a lack of notable features.

is somewhat deficient

Suggests a certain degree of inadequacy, indicating a notable shortcoming or flaw.

is not great

A simple and direct way to express that something is not of high quality or standard, focusing on its less positive attributes.

FAQs

How can I use "is only adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "is only adequate" to describe something that meets the minimum requirements but is not exceptional. For example, "The budget for the project is only adequate to cover basic expenses."

What can I say instead of "is only adequate"?

Alternatives to "is only adequate" include "is merely sufficient", "is just acceptable", or "is good enough", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is only adequate" or "is adequate"?

"Is adequate" implies a satisfactory level, while "is only adequate" suggests the bare minimum is met. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is only adequate" and "is insufficient"?

"Is only adequate" means something meets the basic requirements, while "is insufficient" means it does not meet the requirements. They have opposite meanings.