not sufficient

USAGE SUMMARY

"not sufficient" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "The evidence presented was not sufficient to prove his innocence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not sufficient.

The New Yorker

Efficient, not sufficient.

The New Yorker

Sunscreen is not sufficient.

The New York Times

But it's not sufficient.

The New Yorker

It's just not sufficient.

The New York Times

But that's not sufficient.

The New York Times

But that was not sufficient.

The New York Times - Arts

But it is not sufficient.

The New York Times

"There is not sufficient power.

The Economist

That's not sufficient.

The Guardian - Sport

But these are not sufficient.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not sufficient", ensure the context clearly indicates what standard or requirement is not being met. For example, "The funding was not sufficient to complete the project."

Common error

Avoid using "not sufficient" in overly complex sentence structures where a simpler term like "inadequate" would improve clarity. Overcomplicating sentences can obscure the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not sufficient" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that something does not meet a required or expected standard. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not sufficient" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express inadequacy. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and can be used in written English. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, indicating its wide applicability across various domains. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines the unmet standard. While "not sufficient" is acceptable, consider simpler alternatives like "inadequate" or "not enough" for improved clarity. The many examples from Ludwig confirm its widespread use and acceptability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not enough

A simpler, more common way to express a lack of sufficiency.

insufficient

Synonym that emphasizes a deficiency or shortage.

inadequate

Single-word alternative that directly conveys a lack of sufficiency.

lacking

Focuses on the absence of something needed.

deficient

Highlights a specific shortcoming or imperfection.

falls short

Idiomatic expression indicating failure to reach a required standard.

not up to par

Informal phrase suggesting that something does not meet expectations or standards.

unacceptable

Indicates that something is not satisfactory or permissible.

not viable

Suggests that something is not practical or feasible.

limited

Emphasizes restrictions or constraints that cause inadequacy.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not sufficient" indicates that something does not meet the required amount or standard. For example, "The evidence presented was "not sufficient" to secure a conviction."

What are some alternatives to saying "not sufficient"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "inadequate", "insufficient", or "not enough". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it more formal to say "not sufficient" or "not enough"?

"Not sufficient" is generally considered more formal than "not enough". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone of your writing.

When should I use "not sufficient" instead of "insufficient"?

While "not sufficient" and "insufficient" are largely interchangeable, "not sufficient" might be preferred when you want to emphasize the negation of sufficiency more directly.