less adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

'less adequate' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something is not as satisfactory or complete as it could be. For example: "The child had less adequate nutrition than many of his classmates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But truth is messier, and justice less adequate than we acknowledge.

The New York Times

The more you look at this photograph, the less adequate that delayed justice feels.

The Guardian - Opinion

For people in their 50s and 60s, the 8 per cent minimum contributions look even less adequate.

Independent

The quest proceeds behind closed doors, like a papal election, and successive meditations on the koan produce more or less adequate results.

The New Yorker

The body's physiological mechanisms for adjusting to changes in environmental temperature are less adequate in the old than in the young.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The war against Iraq could go badly, or it could be delayed by events in the Middle East, where his current peace "plan" looks ever less adequate.

The Economist

The railway system is much less adequate than that of the roads; the southwestern part of the country is the best-served area.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, classical numerical simulation approaches are less adequate for reproducing complex dynamics.

Parallel Computing

Children with cancer often receive less adequate pain management than adults.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

While good agreement for load-carrying capacity was obtained, the existing stiffness model seems less adequate with a consistent overestimation.

Engineering Structures

In the cities where governmental influence is more limited - Hong Kong and Singapore - teacher compensation is less adequate.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Quantify the degree of inadequacy when possible. For example, instead of saying "the support was less adequate", specify how much less adequate it was, such as "the support was 20% less adequate than required".

Common error

Avoid using "less adequate" without a clear point of comparison. For example, saying "the training was less adequate" is vague. Specify what it's less adequate than, such as "the training was less adequate than previous years' programs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less adequate" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a smaller degree of adequacy compared to something else, showing a deficiency or insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less adequate" functions as a comparative adjective phrase used to indicate that something is not as sufficient or good as something else. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in scientific and news media contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the point of comparison is evident to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "less sufficient" or "less satisfactory" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is versatile, appearing in diverse fields ranging from healthcare research to political commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less sufficient

Emphasizes the insufficiency in meeting a specific requirement or standard.

less satisfactory

Highlights the failure to meet expectations or provide contentment.

less suitable

Focuses on the inappropriateness for a particular purpose or situation.

less appropriate

Indicates a lack of suitability or fittingness in a given context.

less qualified

Emphasizes the deficiency in required skills or expertise.

less competent

Highlights a reduced level of ability or proficiency.

less effective

Focuses on reduced capability to produce the desired outcome.

less prepared

Indicates a lack of readiness or preparation for a task or situation.

somewhat lacking

Softens the criticism by suggesting a partial deficiency.

slightly deficient

Suggests a minor shortfall or imperfection.

FAQs

How can I use "less adequate" in a sentence?

You can use "less adequate" to describe something that is not as good or sufficient as something else. For example, "The funding was "less adequate" for the project's needs", or "The replacement was "less adequate" than the original part".

What are some alternatives to using "less adequate"?

Some alternatives to "less adequate" include "less sufficient", "less satisfactory", or "less suitable". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not as adequate" instead of "less adequate"?

Yes, "not as adequate" is a grammatically correct alternative to "less adequate". Both phrases convey the same meaning, although "less adequate" might sound slightly more formal in some contexts.

What is the difference between "inadequate" and "less adequate"?

"Inadequate" means completely insufficient or not good enough, while "less adequate" means not as sufficient or good as something else. "Less adequate" implies a comparison, whereas "inadequate" describes a state of being insufficient on its own.