poorly equipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poorly equipped" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks the necessary tools, resources, or skills to perform a task effectively. Example: "The team was poorly equipped to handle the unexpected challenges that arose during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Many hospitals in Nigeria are poorly equipped.

The Guardian

Isis thrives when its opponents are weak and poorly equipped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Haiti's police force is riddled with corruption and poorly equipped.

The New York Times

Don't make excuses saying that you're poorly equipped".

The Guardian

She studied in a poorly equipped rural school.

The New York Times

Russia's financial system, in many ways, is poorly equipped to handle such inflows of cash.

The New York Times

But he and other Iraqi soldiers insisted that they were poorly equipped to battle the militias.

The New York Times

Libya really is very poorly equipped when it comes to political opposition.

The New Yorker

Mexico's municipal police were poorly trained, poorly paid, and poorly equipped, rendering them susceptible to bribery.

The New Yorker

Our whole research and policy response system is really poorly equipped for the future".

The New Yorker

Why, asks Shephard, was the British army so poorly equipped for handling a typhus outbreak?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "poorly equipped", ensure the context clearly specifies what is lacking. For example, "The hospital was poorly equipped to handle the surge in patients" is more effective than simply stating "The hospital was poorly equipped".

Common error

Avoid using "poorly equipped" as a vague criticism. Always specify the area of inadequacy. For instance, instead of saying "The school is poorly equipped", specify "The school is poorly equipped with science labs and technology resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poorly equipped" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing its state of lacking necessary equipment or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage, highlighting its role in specifying deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "poorly equipped" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as an adjective to describe a deficiency in resources or tools. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. To enhance clarity, it is crucial to specify the area of inadequacy when using this phrase. While its register is generally neutral, avoiding overgeneralization ensures more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under-equipped

A more concise synonym, directly highlighting the lack of necessary equipment.

inadequately resourced

Focuses on the lack of sufficient resources, such as funding, materials, or personnel.

ill-prepared

Similar to 'badly prepared', but can also imply a lack of foresight or planning.

badly prepared

Emphasizes the insufficient preparation or readiness for a task or situation.

insufficiently supplied

Highlights the inadequacy of supplies, which could include materials, information, or support.

unprepared

A general term for not being ready or equipped for something.

lacking necessary tools

Specifically points out the absence of essential tools or instruments.

deficient in resources

Emphasizes a shortage of resources, broadening the scope beyond just equipment.

short on gear

An informal way of saying that there is a lack of essential equipment.

inadequately furnished

Focuses on the lack of proper furnishings or amenities, particularly in a facility or space.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "poorly equipped" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "inadequately resourced", "insufficiently supplied", or "deficient in resources" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "poorly equipped" and "badly prepared"?

"Poorly equipped" refers to a lack of necessary tools or resources, while "badly prepared" indicates a lack of readiness or planning. One focuses on physical resources, the other on readiness.

Is it correct to say something is "poorly equipped for success"?

While grammatically correct, it's more common and clearer to specify what's lacking. For example, "The program is poorly equipped with funding for success" is more informative.

What are some common contexts where "poorly equipped" is typically used?

"Poorly equipped" is frequently used in contexts involving institutions like schools and hospitals, military units, or even abstract systems such as financial or research systems. The focus is usually on the lack of essential resources.