look adequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "look adequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be satisfactory or acceptable in quality or condition. Example: "The presentation may not be perfect, but it does look adequate for our needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Whatever the explanation, the Obama plan just doesn't look adequate to the economy's need.

The New York Times

What part of "the Obama plan just doesn't look adequate to the economy's need" is so hard to understand?

The New York Times

Neither actor was at all certain about performing the scene, being terrified, according to Russell, that one or the other's sexual equipment would not look adequate.

The Guardian

Gardner, Larsson and Vaughan look adequate replacements and the United pair O'Shea and Brown can do as well as Phil Neville has at Everton.

Independent

Even inside Lumbini area, their efforts to develop the holy place do not look adequate," Sugrib Yadav told the BBC.

BBC

One could think that clinicians under-report their proportion of referrals for imaging that is most unlikely to affect treatment, to make their referral practice look adequate and justified.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And the company's capital position looks adequate with more than £3bn economic capital surplus.

The Guardian - Business

Bear's capital levels, remember, looked adequate just before it capsized.How will investment banks make up for the lower returns that come with less borrowing?

The Economist

Sorry Motherboard, it looks adequate at best.

Vice

Under the influence of a "tough-minded" ideology committed to behaviorism, it seemed easier to look for adequate theories of action or will, as well as theories of belief or knowledge, than to construct adequate theories of emotion.

SEP

A safe and sustainable energy pathway which is crucial to sustainable development in addition to greenhouse gas emitters and its relationship with climate change are leading factors to look for adequate strategies concerning both energy saving and environmental protection.

Energy Conversion and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When evaluating something based on appearance, use "look adequate" to convey that it meets the minimum acceptable standard without necessarily being exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "look adequate" when you mean something is genuinely excellent. The phrase implies a basic level of acceptance, not outstanding quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "look adequate" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that something appears to be sufficient or acceptable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for indicating something meets a basic standard. Examples show its use in evaluating plans, replacements and performances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "look adequate" is a useful expression for indicating that something appears to meet a basic level of acceptance or sufficiency, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, its usage is more common in news and media, science, and wiki-based sources. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of basic acceptability and to avoid using it when describing something genuinely excellent. Alternatives like "appear satisfactory" or "seem sufficient" can be used for slight variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appear satisfactory

Replaces "look" with "appear" and "adequate" with "satisfactory", emphasizing a satisfactory appearance.

Seem sufficient

Substitutes "look" with "seem" and "adequate" with "sufficient", suggesting the impression of being enough.

Present itself acceptably

Uses a more formal tone, focusing on the manner of presentation and acceptability.

Give a passable impression

Highlights the idea of providing an impression that barely meets the required standard.

Pass muster

An idiomatic expression meaning to meet the standards or requirements.

Be up to scratch

Another idiomatic expression indicating that something meets the required standard of quality.

Meet minimum requirements

Emphasizes that only the bare minimum standards are satisfied.

Be just good enough

Suggests a minimal level of adequacy, implying no excess of quality or suitability.

Cut the mustard

Idiomatic expression that means to succeed or come up to expectations.

Suffice

A concise way of saying something is enough or adequate.

FAQs

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

Use "look adequate" when you want to express that something appears to be satisfactory or acceptable, though perhaps not exceptional. For instance, "The initial plan doesn't "look adequate" to address the scale of the problem."

What can I say instead of "look adequate"?

You can use alternatives such as "appear satisfactory", "seem sufficient", or "is good enough", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "look adequate" or "seem adequate"?

"Look adequate" and "seem adequate" are quite similar, but "look adequate" focuses more on the visual impression, while "seem adequate" suggests a judgment based on available information, not just appearance. They are often interchangeable.

What is the difference between "look adequate" and "look impressive"?

"Look adequate" indicates that something barely meets the requirements or expectations, while "look impressive" suggests something is notably above average and creates a strong, positive impression.