not well enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not well enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not meet a certain standard or requirement of quality or sufficiency. Example: "I tried to explain the concept, but I realized I had not explained it well enough for everyone to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not well enough though.

Independent

DAVID REMNICK: Not well enough, thankfully.

The New Yorker

"He's just not well enough".

The New York Times - Sports

But we're not well enough known.

The New York Times

He himself painted well, but not well enough.

The New Yorker

Fisher, himself, was not well enough to attend.

The New York Times

They played well tonight, but not well enough.

The Guardian - Sport

She had done well, but not well enough to win.

The New York Times

He played the piano, but not well enough.

The Guardian - Books

Rejected him on ground not well enough known.

The New Yorker

SOMETIMES a job pays well but perhaps not well enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not well enough", ensure that the context clearly defines what standard is not being met. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "not well enough" in situations where the specific deficiency isn't clear. Always specify what aspect is lacking or needs improvement to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "The plan was not well enough", specify "The plan was not well enough detailed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not well enough" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate a deficiency in the manner or degree to which an action is performed or a quality is possessed. Ludwig's examples show it commonly expresses that something falls short of a desired or required level.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not well enough" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that something does not meet a required standard or level. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While it is grammatically sound, clarity is paramount: specify what aspect is lacking to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "insufficiently" or "not adequately" for more concise expressions. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "not well enough" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not good enough

Directly states that something is below the required standard of quality.

insufficiently

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb, offering a more concise expression.

not adequately

Uses a different adverb to convey a similar meaning of lacking the necessary quality or amount.

not sufficiently

Similar to "not adequately", but emphasizes the lack of a required amount or degree.

falls short

An idiomatic expression indicating a failure to reach a required standard or expectation.

lacking

A concise term emphasizing the absence of a necessary quality or element.

not up to par

An informal phrase indicating that something does not meet the expected level of quality.

leaves something to be desired

A more indirect way of saying something is lacking or not satisfactory.

not quite there

An informal way of saying that something is close to being good enough, but not quite.

deficient

A formal term indicating a lack or shortage of something.

FAQs

What does "not well enough" mean?

The phrase "not well enough" indicates that something or someone does not meet a certain standard or requirement of quality, skill, or sufficiency. It suggests a deficiency or lack of adequacy.

How can I use "not well enough" in a sentence?

You can use "not well enough" to express that something is lacking or insufficient. For example: "I studied, but "not well enough" to pass the test", or "He tried to fix it, but "not well enough" to make it work".

What are some alternatives to "not well enough"?

Alternatives to "not well enough" include "insufficiently", "not adequately", or "not sufficiently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "not well enough" and "not good enough"?

While similar, "not well enough" often refers to a specific aspect or skill that is lacking, whereas "not good enough" is a more general statement of inadequacy. For example, "He played the piano, but "not well enough" to be a professional" focuses on his piano-playing ability. "He is "not good enough" for the team" is a broader assessment of his overall abilities.