not adequately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not adequately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is insufficient or lacking in quality or quantity. Example: "The report was not adequately detailed, leaving many questions unanswered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What could this simulation not adequately replicate?

The New York Times

He did not adequately describe the insanity.

The New York Times

But one that's not adequately developed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Blame Muslim leaders for not adequately addressing extremism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately all too often these problems are not adequately addressed.

The Guardian

The news release, she conceded, was not adequately clear.

The New York Times

Mr. Freeh said photographs did not adequately convey the destruction.

The New York Times

His health insurance did not adequately cover his family.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They are not adequately staffed to do this".

The New York Times

"I mean, you can judge the player, but not adequately.

The New York Times - Sports

The one issue not adequately addressed was health care cost.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not adequately", ensure that the context clearly defines what standard or expectation is not being met. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument or observation.

Common error

Avoid using "not adequately" without specifying the area of deficiency. Vague statements weaken the impact. Instead of saying "the training was not adequately", specify "the training was not adequately focused on practical application".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not adequately" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically qualifying a verb or adjective to indicate a deficiency in the action or quality being described. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not adequately" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial modifier that expresses a deficiency or insufficiency. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Science, and its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "not adequately", clarity is key; specify what standard is "not adequately" met to enhance the effectiveness of your writing. Consider alternatives like "insufficiently" or "inadequately" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficiently

A single word that directly replaces the two-word phrase.

inadequately

A single word that directly replaces the two-word phrase.

not sufficiently

Emphasizes the lack of a required amount or degree.

not properly

Focuses on the incorrect or flawed manner in which something is done.

not suitably

Highlights the inappropriateness of something for a specific purpose.

not duly

Implies a failure to meet a formal or legal requirement.

poorly

Focuses on the low quality of something.

deficiently

Emphasizes the lack of an essential quality or element.

lacking

Points out the absence of something necessary.

falls short

Indicates that something does not reach the desired standard.

FAQs

How can I use "not adequately" in a sentence?

The phrase "not adequately" is typically used to express that something is insufficient or lacking in some way. For example, "The resources were "not adequately" distributed", meaning the distribution was insufficient.

What are some alternatives to "not adequately"?

Alternatives include "insufficiently", "inadequately", or "not sufficiently". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not adequately" or a single-word alternative like "inadequately"?

Both "not adequately" and single-word alternatives like "inadequately" are correct. The choice often comes down to style and preference. Sometimes, the two-word phrase may provide slightly more emphasis.

What's the difference between "not adequately" and "not properly"?

"Not adequately" focuses on the sufficiency of something, while "not properly" emphasizes the correctness or appropriateness of the way something is done. For example, "The food was "not adequately" cooked" (insufficiently cooked) versus "The food was "not properly" seasoned" (incorrectly seasoned).