shockingly deficient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shockingly deficient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is surprisingly inadequate or lacking in quality or quantity. Example: "The report was shockingly deficient in data, making it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Justice Alito acknowledged that "particular prisoners received shockingly deficient medical care".

The New York Times

Even in the capital, where most women give birth in a health facility, resources for the very poor are shockingly deficient.

The Guardian

Peter A. Lake Marblehead, Mass., Feb. 24, 2008 ● Your column had it exactly right, but the question remains why individuals with such shockingly deficient journalistic standards remain employed by The Times.

The New York Times

For a country with one of the fastest-growing economies in Latin America, rural Colombia has a shockingly deficient infrastructure, and the government is simply not present in wide swaths of the country.

The Washington Post

For a country that considers itself the world's superpower, its citizens are shockingly deficient when it comes to having a knowledge of foreign languages.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Most of us, after all, are deficient in rationality: we are excessively fearful of unlikely hazards when those hazards are shockingly unfamiliar or disturbingly involuntary (like dying in a terrorist attack or from something in the drinking water).

The New York Times - Magazine

"Yin deficient.

The New Yorker

Shockingly weak.

The Guardian - Business

Shockingly so.

The Guardian - Sport

Shockingly funny.

The Guardian - Film

Shockingly provocative.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shockingly deficient", ensure the context clearly establishes what standard or expectation is not being met. This makes the statement more impactful and less ambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "shockingly deficient" in situations where the deficiency is minor or expected. Overusing it weakens its impact and can make your writing sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shockingly deficient" functions as an intensifier (shockingly) modifying an adjective (deficient). It describes something that is surprisingly inadequate or lacking. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shockingly deficient" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express surprise at a significant lack or inadequacy. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase adds emphasis to the deficiency being described. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what standard isn't being met and be careful not to overuse it, which could diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "surprisingly inadequate" or "remarkably lacking" for variety. Understanding the nuances of this phrase will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly inadequate

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the inadequacy.

remarkably lacking

Highlights the noticeable absence or deficiency.

astonishingly insufficient

Stresses the unexpected and inadequate quantity or quality.

appallingly inadequate

Focuses on the dismaying level of inadequacy.

incredibly lacking

Emphasizes the surprising degree of absence.

stunningly inadequate

Highlights the surprising and disappointing nature of the inadequacy.

woefully inadequate

Focuses on the regrettable and severe inadequacy.

surprisingly poor

Highlights the unexpected low quality.

unacceptably low

Indicates that a standard or expectation has not been met.

surprisingly scant

Highlights the unexpected smallness or meagerness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "shockingly deficient" in a sentence?

Use "shockingly deficient" to describe something that is surprisingly inadequate or lacking. For example, "The report was shockingly deficient in data, making it difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "shockingly deficient"?

You can use alternatives such as "surprisingly inadequate", "remarkably lacking", or "astonishingly insufficient" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is "shockingly deficient" most appropriate?

"Shockingly deficient" is most appropriate in formal and professional contexts where a surprising and significant lack or inadequacy needs to be highlighted. It's also suitable for news reports and academic papers. The phrase can come across as overly harsh in casual conversations.

What makes "shockingly deficient" different from "deficient"?

The addition of "shockingly" emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of the deficiency. Simply saying something is "deficient" implies it is lacking, but "shockingly deficient" suggests the extent of the lack is notably surprising or disturbing.