less than adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

"less than adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is insufficient or inadequate in comparison to something else. For example, "The training provided to new employees was less than adequate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In turn, LHWs who are not adequately cared for may deliver a less than adequate service [ 28].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Moreover, our demand for justice is often less than adequate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several administration officials argued that this amounted to far less than adequate notification by the C.I.A., regardless of the outcome.

The New York Times

Around a third of children who underwent open heart surgery at Bristol received "less than adequate care".

The Guardian

With this in mind, the privilege of wailing "Hello Milton Keynes!" into a squeaky mike seemed less than adequate compensation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lord Cullen's report into the accident said training procedures at Thames Trains were "slack and less than adequate".

The Guardian

But so does the desire to build up retirement benefits to supplement the often less than adequate pensions of their husbands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Given the awkward sight lines, small seats and less-than-adequate concessions at Armstrong and the Grandstand, tennis fans are unlikely to miss the old buildings.

The New York Times - Sports

Men delete guys online after insulting their less-than-adequate face or body or age or simply because their boyfriend or husband just walked into the room.

Huffington Post

As they get older, they are continually marginalized in their schools and societies -- given less-than-adequate access to the resources that their already advantaged peers receive.

Huffington Post

The trajectory of stock prices in the rail industry were equally volatile and raised suspicions of less-than-adequate disclosure, not to say of outright manipulation.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less than adequate", be specific about what is lacking and the consequences of the deficiency. For example, instead of saying "The funding was less than adequate", specify "The funding of $50,000 was less than adequate to cover the $75,000 needed for the project, leading to budget cuts."

Common error

Avoid using "less than adequate" repeatedly in formal documents. Vary your language with synonyms like "insufficient", "inadequate", or "deficient" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a wider vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less than adequate" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating that it possesses a quality to a degree that is below the required or expected standard. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and commonly used to denote insufficiency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science & Research

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less than adequate" is a versatile expression used to describe something that falls short of expectations or requirements. According to Ludwig, this expression is valid and frequently used in written communication. It functions as a qualifier, indicating a degree of deficiency that may necessitate further action or improvement. While alternatives like "insufficient" and "inadequate" exist, "less than adequate" often provides a nuanced way to express mild criticism or concern, making it a valuable tool in professional, academic, and even everyday contexts. Be mindful of overuse and ensure that the specific area of inadequacy is clear to maintain precision and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

Direct synonym indicating a lack of sufficiency.

inadequate

Synonym emphasizing a failure to meet requirements.

deficient

Highlights a specific lack or shortage.

subpar

Informal term for below-average quality.

below expectations

Indicates a failure to reach anticipated standards.

not up to par

Idiomatic expression for failing to meet a required standard.

lacking

Emphasizes the absence of something necessary.

wanting

Similar to lacking, suggesting a deficiency.

falling short

Indicates a failure to achieve a goal or standard.

weak

Suggests a lack of strength or effectiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "less than adequate" to describe something that does not meet the required standard or expectation. For example, "The resources provided were "less than adequate" for the task" or "The safety measures in place were "less than adequate" to prevent accidents".

What are some alternatives to "less than adequate"?

You can use alternatives such as "insufficient", "inadequate", "deficient", or "subpar" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "less than adequate" or "inadequate"?

Both "less than adequate" and "inadequate" are correct. "Inadequate" is more direct, while "less than adequate" can sometimes soften the criticism. The choice depends on the desired tone.

What's the difference between "less than adequate" and "not adequate"?

"Less than adequate" suggests a degree of inadequacy, implying that something is somewhat but not fully meeting the required standard. "Not adequate" is a more straightforward statement that something fails to meet the requirement, without necessarily implying a degree of nearness. The phrase "not adequate" is more explicit than "less than adequate".