scarcely updated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarcely updated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been updated very little or infrequently. Example: "The software has been scarcely updated over the past year, leading to numerous bugs and security vulnerabilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Flying relies on an old, delay-mired technology, scarcely updated since the advent of the jumbo jet, and the sorts of people who can pay for tickets usually have better options for getting what they need.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

You could argue that the Beggar's Opera scarcely needs updating given that Benjamin Britten and Kurt Weill may seem to have had the last word on Macheath's nihilistic appointment with the gallows.

The Guardian

In Regina Taylor's desperate updating of Chekhov's "Seagull," scarcely a line goes by that doesn't mention some famous person, brand name, song or show.

The New York Times

IN Regina Taylor's "Drowning Crow," the desperate updating of Chekhov's "Seagull" that opened last night at the Biltmore Theater, scarcely a line goes by that doesn't mention some famous person, brand name, song or show.

The New York Times

I agree with you: Status updates featuring sweaty, red-faced mommies (whom I scarcely know) do not pair well with morning coffee or lightly toasted bagels.

The New York Times

Now scarcely 10 per cent are.

Independent

Scarcely 2 yrs.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tanimoto scarcely answered.

The New Yorker

But it scarcely matters.

The New York Times

It scarcely mattered.

Independent

"Scarcely," his colleague replied.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scarcely updated", ensure the context clearly indicates what has not been updated frequently. Be specific about the subject and the period of time, if relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "scarcely updated" when you mean 'never updated'. "Scarcely" implies some updates have occurred, even if very few. If something hasn't been updated at all, use phrases like "never updated" or "not updated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarcely updated" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the extent to which something has been updated. It indicates that updates are infrequent or minimal, as demonstrated by the example provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarcely updated" is a grammatically sound phrase that signifies infrequent or minimal updates. While currently rare in occurrence, based on Ludwig's analysis, it effectively conveys a sense of neglect or insufficient attention to updating. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for varied communication needs. To ensure clarity, provide context on what is "scarcely updated". Consider alternatives like "rarely updated" or "infrequently updated" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely updated

Emphasizes the infrequency of updates.

infrequently updated

Highlights the lack of regular updates.

minimally updated

Focuses on the small amount of updating that has occurred.

hardly updated

Similar in meaning to "scarcely", indicating very little updating.

seldom updated

Indicates that updates are uncommon.

almost never updated

Stresses the extreme rarity of updates.

sparingly updated

Suggests that updates are done economically or cautiously.

slightly updated

Indicates a small degree of updating.

nominally updated

Implies that updates are done in name only, without substantial changes.

formally updated

This indicates that updates are done just for the sake of compliance.

FAQs

How can I use "scarcely updated" in a sentence?

You can use "scarcely updated" to describe something that has received very few updates. For example, "The software is scarcely updated, which is a security risk."

What are some alternatives to "scarcely updated"?

Alternatives include "rarely updated", "infrequently updated", or "minimally updated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "scarcely updated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "scarcely updated" is grammatically correct. "Scarcely" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "updated", indicating a low frequency of updates.

What's the difference between "scarcely updated" and "barely updated"?

"Scarcely updated" and "barely updated" are very similar. "Scarcely" implies a slightly lower degree of updating than "barely", but they are often interchangeable.