seems inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be insufficient or not meeting expectations. Example: "The proposed budget seems inadequate to cover all the necessary expenses for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gratitude seems inadequate.

The New Yorker

"Musical" seems inadequate.

The Guardian

"It seems inadequate.

The New York Times

That word seems inadequate to me.

The Washington Post

But without a common language, the task seems inadequate.

The New Yorker

To say that it was cold that day seems inadequate.

The New York Times - Arts

'Theatre director' seems inadequate; for Kustow, Brook is 'the radical spirit of contemporary theatre'.

The Guardian

But the romantic ideal of individual creation seems inadequate when it comes to jokes.

The New Yorker

A nod of the head would signal a vague "yes," which seems inadequate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've looked back over what I've set down so far, and it seems inadequate".

The Guardian - Books

This is all true, and yet something about it seems inadequate.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seems inadequate", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is inadequate for. Be specific to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "seems inadequate" without providing context or justification. Clearly state the reasons why something appears insufficient to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems inadequate" primarily functions as a subjective assessment, indicating that something appears to be insufficient or not meeting the required standards. Ludwig confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems inadequate" is a versatile phrase used to express that something appears insufficient or not up to par. As Ludwig confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is essential to provide specific context to clarify the reasons for perceived inadequacy. Alternatives like "appears insufficient" or "falls short" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and provide clear justifications for your assessment to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Appears to be insufficient

Focuses on the apparent lack of sufficiency, emphasizing observation rather than judgment.

Feels somewhat deficient

Highlights the subjective feeling of inadequacy.

Seems to be lacking

Highlights a deficiency or absence of something necessary.

Is hardly sufficient

Emphasizes the marginal nature of the sufficiency, implying a clear lack.

Proves to be wanting

Emphasizes the deficiency after a period of observation or testing.

Doesn't quite measure up

Suggests a failure to meet a certain standard or expectation.

Falls short of expectations

Highlights the disappointment of not reaching the desired outcome.

Is rather limited

Points out the restrictions and constraints that make something insufficient.

Is not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the required level or standard.

Is deemed unsatisfactory

Suggests a formal assessment or judgment of inadequacy.

FAQs

What does "seems inadequate" mean?

The phrase "seems inadequate" indicates that something appears to be insufficient or not good enough for a particular purpose or requirement.

How can I use "seems inadequate" in a sentence?

You can use "seems inadequate" to express that something does not meet expectations or requirements. For example: "The budget "seems inadequate" for the project's needs."

What can I say instead of "seems inadequate"?

You can use alternatives like "appears insufficient", "falls short", or "is lacking" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "seems inadequate" formal or informal?

"Seems inadequate" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral expression suitable for various writing styles.