is scarcely sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is scarcely sufficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is barely enough or inadequate for a particular purpose or requirement. Example: "The funding provided for the project is scarcely sufficient to cover the necessary expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The height chosen was scarcely sufficient for maneuvering in so gusty a wind and with no previous acquaintance with the conduct of the machine and its controlling mechanisms.

The New York Times

If they had, they'd know that there are 24 hours in a day and that we need to be horizontal with our eyes shut for at least six of them to be of any use: and that the 18 remaining hours are scarcely sufficient to complete the gazillion course requirements as well as being on our way to becoming outstanding teachers.

The Guardian

(Amartya Sen, quoted by Johann Hari) C. The revenue arising from his school was small, and would have been scarcely sufficient to furnish him with daily bread, for he was a huge feeder, and though lank, had the dilating powers of an anaconda.

The New York Times

Supplies for barrier nursing were scarcely sufficient in the early phase of the outbreak and prior training had been insufficient [ 31] and 14 of 22 health workers were infected during the establishment of the first isolation ward [ 24] leading to the reinforcement of infection-control measures [ 27].

Conflict and Health

Exploitation of forest produce can continue in the rainy season, for there is scarcely a month when there are not enough dry days to permit sufficient transport to cope with a fairly regular production despite the effect of the climate.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

This is scarcely believable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Europe is scarcely better.

The Economist

This is scarcely surprising.

The New York Times

However, rhinomanometry is scarcely available.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

But this is scarcely consolation.

The New York Times

His record is scarcely perfect.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is scarcely sufficient", consider whether a more precise term would better convey the degree of insufficiency. For example, instead of saying "the budget is scarcely sufficient", you might say "the budget is inadequate" or "the budget is severely limited".

Common error

Avoid using "is scarcely sufficient" when the situation is clearly one of complete inadequacy. The phrase implies that something is just barely meeting the minimum requirements, not that it is entirely lacking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is scarcely sufficient" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its state of being barely adequate. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses that something barely meets the minimum requirements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is scarcely sufficient" is a grammatically correct predicate adjective phrase used to convey that something is barely adequate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from news media and scientific sources. While not highly frequent, it is a useful phrase for expressing a state of near-inadequacy. Consider alternative phrases like "is barely adequate" or "is hardly enough" for nuanced communication, and avoid using the phrase when describing situations of complete inadequacy. While the combination of such terms could be used both in formal and informal situation, depending on the intention and the specific context, Ludwig examples seem to prefer the former over the latter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is barely adequate

Focuses on the minimal level of acceptability rather than sufficiency.

is hardly enough

Emphasizes the lack of an adequate amount.

is just enough

Highlights the narrow margin of sufficiency.

is minimally sufficient

Stresses the bare minimum required.

is barely meeting requirements

Indicates that the basic standards are only just being achieved.

is cutting it close

An idiom expressing that there is very little margin for error or delay.

is touching and go

Implies a precarious situation where success is not guaranteed.

is a close call

Highlights that a negative outcome was narrowly avoided.

is on a knife edge

Emphasizes the delicacy and instability of the situation.

is not quite up to par

Suggests that something falls slightly short of the expected standard.

FAQs

What does "is scarcely sufficient" mean?

The phrase "is scarcely sufficient" means that something is just barely enough or adequate. It implies that there is very little margin for error or additional needs.

How can I use "is scarcely sufficient" in a sentence?

You can use "is scarcely sufficient" to describe situations where resources, time, or other factors are barely meeting the required amount. For example, "The funding for the project "is scarcely sufficient" to cover all the expenses".

What are some alternatives to "is scarcely sufficient"?

Some alternatives to "is scarcely sufficient" include "is barely adequate", "is hardly enough", or "is just enough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is scarcely sufficient" and "is insufficient"?

"Is insufficient" implies a clear lack or inadequacy, while "is scarcely sufficient" suggests something is barely meeting the minimum requirements. "Is scarcely sufficient" implies a narrower margin and a greater risk of falling short.