not adequate for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not adequate for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not meet the necessary standards or requirements for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "The current resources are not adequate for completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is quite small, not adequate for laps or exercise.

The New York Times - Travel

That was a situation in which there was telephone notice, which was not adequate for certification.

The New York Times

"There's a consensus that the current status is not adequate for Puerto Rico anymore".

The New York Times

The force is not adequate for the need, though, and poorly armed.

The New York Times

"Comparisons to the past are useful but they're not adequate for where we are right now".

The New Yorker

Some Army aircraft are not adequate for long distance flights, it said.

The New York Times

In spite of recent renovations, they are not adequate for the ambitious art program the college envisions.

The New York Times

"It appears that those requests are just not adequate for the job that needs to get done," she told them.

The New York Times

Mr Duffy is right to argue that test scores alone are not adequate for judging teacher performance.

The Economist

(4) Plain radiographs are not adequate for detection of lysis.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

But it is not adequate for our purposes.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not adequate for", clearly specify what the subject is inadequate for. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not adequate for" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "The budget is not adequate", specify "The budget is not adequate for the proposed expansion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not adequate for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something does not meet the required standard or is insufficient for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this with multiple examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not adequate for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is insufficient or unsuitable for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI highlights that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news and media. While generally neutral, it's important to specify the context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "insufficient for" and "inadequate for" can be used, with the choice depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient for

Replaces "not adequate" with a synonym, slightly more formal.

inadequate for

Substitutes "not adequate" with a single word conveying the same meaning.

not sufficient for

Uses a different synonym for "adequate", maintaining a similar level of formality.

not suitable for

Focuses on the inappropriateness of something for a specific purpose.

not up to par for

Employs an idiomatic expression to indicate that something doesn't meet the required standard.

not fit for

Suggests a lack of qualification or suitability.

not qualified for

Highlights a lack of necessary skills or attributes.

not good enough for

Offers a more informal way of expressing inadequacy.

falls short for

Uses a verb phrase to indicate a failure to reach the required level.

lacking for

Indicates a deficiency in what is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "not adequate for" in a sentence?

You can use "not adequate for" to express that something doesn't meet the requirements for a specific purpose. For example, "The current training program is "not adequate for" preparing employees for advanced roles".

What are some alternatives to "not adequate for"?

Alternatives include "insufficient for", "inadequate for", or "not suitable for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "not adequate for" and "not sufficient for"?

While similar, "not adequate for" might imply a general lack, whereas "not sufficient for" emphasizes a lack of the required amount or degree. Both are generally interchangeable, but context might favor one over the other. For instance, "The space is "not adequate for" the equipment" vs "The funding is "not sufficient for" the project".

When is it appropriate to use "not adequate for" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in any situation where you need to state that something does not meet the necessary standards or requirements. For more formal contexts, consider using "insufficient for" as it might sound more professional.