terribly inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terribly inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely insufficient or lacking in quality or quantity. Example: "The report was terribly inadequate, failing to address the key issues we discussed in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

McEachern said some of the students involved were suspended for a single day — a response she has found terribly inadequate.

The Washington Post

Now you look at others – those brave, adventurous, engaged, passionate, resilient people who were once your peers – and you are inspired, humbled and feel so terribly inadequate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Privately and publicly, exhibitors, fans and Comic-Con itself have complained that the San Diego convention center is terribly inadequate to the ballooning requirements of the convention.

The Guardian

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has acknowledged that the program "won't come close" to fulfilling its original expectations, that its incentives are not "powerful enough" and that the mortgage servicers are "still doing a terribly inadequate job".

The New York Times

"We've taken an honest and hard, critical look at what's out there, and most of it is terribly inadequate," said Sandra Feldman, president of the union, which has one million members.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, all these conceptions are terribly inadequate.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is clear that our regulatory systems, technological attainment and disaster planning were terribly and painfully inadequate.

Huffington Post

Although Caplin insists that, "When high-powered women come to me it's not because they feel inadequate," the way she refers to them is terribly infantilising.

The Guardian

Inadequate, inadequate, inadequate.

The Guardian

Terribly, terribly sad.

Independent

Terribly, terribly wrong, Dr. Diehl.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "terribly inadequate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being assessed and why it falls short of expectations. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "terribly inadequate" when a milder term like "insufficient" or "lacking" would suffice. Overusing intensifiers can dilute their impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terribly inadequate" functions as an intensifier + adjective, modifying the adjective "inadequate" to emphasize the severity or degree of insufficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terribly inadequate" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a significant lack or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration of context is essential. Alternatives like "woefully insufficient" or "severely wanting" can provide subtle variations in meaning. When writing, prioritize clarity about what is being assessed and avoid overusing intensifiers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shockingly insufficient

Emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the insufficiency.

exceptionally insufficient

Emphasizes the extreme level of insufficiency.

woefully insufficient

Replaces "terribly" with "woefully" emphasizing the inadequacy as deeply regrettable.

remarkably deficient

Highlights the notable degree of deficiency.

pathetically lacking

Uses "pathetically" to highlight the inadequacy as causing pity or contempt.

dreadfully lacking

Uses "dreadfully" to emphasize the inadequacy as extremely unpleasant or serious.

deplorably deficient

Replaces "terribly" with "deplorably" to convey a stronger sense of disapproval regarding the inadequacy.

grievously inadequate

Conveys that the inadequacy causes sorrow or distress.

severely wanting

Emphasizes that something is seriously lacking or deficient.

lamentably poor

Highlights that the quality is deficient.

FAQs

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

You can use "terribly inadequate" to describe something that is severely lacking or insufficient. For example, "The funding for the project was "terribly inadequate" to meet the project's goals".

What are some alternatives to saying "terribly inadequate"?

Alternatives include "woefully insufficient", "pathetically lacking", or "severely wanting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "terribly inadequate" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "terribly inadequate" can sound somewhat informal due to the adverb "terribly". In very formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "exceptionally insufficient" or "remarkably deficient".

What makes something "terribly inadequate" rather than just "inadequate"?

The addition of "terribly" emphasizes a severe degree of inadequacy. It suggests that the deficiency is significant and has a notable impact or consequence.