never enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"never enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to express a lack of satisfaction with whatever is being discussed in the sentence. For example, "No matter how much I read, it's never enough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Never enough.

The New Yorker

"Because it's never enough, never enough, never enough".

The New York Times

"But it's never enough".

The New York Times

HAMMOUDI It's never enough.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's never enough".

The New York Times - Sports

"It is never enough.

The New York Times

There is never enough.

The New York Times

There are almost never enough.

The New York Times - Food

There was never enough money.

The New Yorker

One Cheestring is never enough.

Independent

Apparently there is never enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "never enough" to express a subjective feeling of lack, rather than an objective measurement of insufficiency. For example, use it to describe feelings about time, money, or love.

Common error

While "never enough" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language that clearly articulates the specific deficiency or unmet need. More descriptive alternatives can be "insufficient", "inadequate", or "lacking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "never enough" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase used to express a subjective feeling of insufficiency or lack. As Ludwig shows, this phrase frequently modifies nouns such as time, money, or love, indicating that the quantity or degree is always perceived as inadequate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "never enough" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a feeling of insufficiency or perpetual lack. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally used to express a lack of satisfaction with whatever is being discussed. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans various contexts, from personal feelings to broader societal issues. While highly versatile, writers should be mindful of its potential overuse, especially in formal settings, where more specific and descriptive language might be more appropriate. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase to express sentiments of unfulfilled desires or unmet needs. Alternatives such as "insufficient", "inadequate", or "always wanting more" can offer nuanced options for more precise communication. Overall, "never enough" remains a robust and expressive tool in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

always wanting more

Focuses on the continuous desire for additional quantities or experiences.

insatiable desire

Highlights the unappeasable nature of the desire.

perpetual dissatisfaction

Emphasizes the ongoing state of being unsatisfied.

constantly yearning

Conveys a persistent longing or craving.

unfulfilled craving

Underscores the ungratified nature of the craving.

everlasting need

Suggests a continuous and unending requirement.

boundless appetite

Indicates an unlimited or inexhaustible hunger or desire.

incessant longing

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the longing.

unquenchable thirst

Conveys an unappeasable desire or need.

ceaseless craving

Emphasizes the unending quality of the craving.

FAQs

How can I use "never enough" in a sentence?

You can use "never enough" to express a feeling that something is always lacking or insufficient. For instance, "There's never enough time to do everything I want", or "It seems like I can never earn enough money to feel secure".

What does "never enough" mean?

"Never enough" suggests that no matter how much of something there is, it's always lacking or insufficient to satisfy a need or desire. It conveys a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction or want.

What are some alternatives to saying "never enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "insufficient", "inadequate", "always wanting more", or "lacking". These alternatives can provide a similar meaning while offering a different tone.

Is it grammatically correct to say "never enough"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It is typically used as an adjective phrase to modify a noun (e.g., "There is never enough time") or as a standalone expression of dissatisfaction.