thoroughly inadequate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly inadequate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely insufficient or not meeting the required standards. Example: "The report was thoroughly inadequate, failing to address any of the key issues we discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"The care arrangements are thoroughly inadequate.

Independent

Government adviser Sir Martin Narey described the federation's description of social work as "thoroughly inadequate".

The Guardian

"The picture that emerges is that the FSA's regulation of HBOS was thoroughly inadequate," the report said.

The Guardian - Business

They have often been described as "cinematic," a phrase thoroughly inadequate to the achievement: Krigstein condenses and distends time itself.

The New Yorker

Simpson certainly became an overdetermined and thoroughly inadequate signifier for racial inequities in general and the plight of black men in particular.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Childcare provisions are thoroughly inadequate; you need a licence to own a dog in most states, but not to run a daycare centre.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Additionally, NPH insulin is a suspension, which must be thoroughly resuspended before injection, and inadequate resuspension results in a very large day-to-day glycemic variability of action.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

The problem is that inequality and corruption are thoroughly embedded in Brazilian culture, and inadequate political accountability predates Brazilian independence.

Huffington Post

But he hopes it will be sturdy enough to staunch the seeping of personal data until the internet's increasingly inadequate security infrastructure is more thoroughly mended.

The Economist

62. Another cause of the difficulties met in implementing this project was that the initial management structure proved inadequate and had to be thoroughly reorganised in February 1997.

FAO

Indicators of inadequate intake include 4 to 6 thoroughly wet diapers in 24 hours, and the passage of 3 to 4 stools per day by the fourth day.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly inadequate" to express a strong sense of insufficiency or unsuitability. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the degree to which something fails to meet expectations or requirements.

Common error

While "thoroughly inadequate" is generally acceptable, consider using simpler alternatives like "not good enough" or "insufficient" in casual conversations or informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly inadequate" primarily functions as a descriptive expression. It combines the adverb "thoroughly," which intensifies the adjective "inadequate," to express a strong sense of insufficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thoroughly inadequate" is a strong descriptor used to express a critical assessment of something that falls far short of expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and our analysis reveals it functions primarily to convey a strong sense of insufficiency. While suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, suggesting its utility in objective evaluations. Consider the context when using this phrase, and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely insufficient

Emphasizes the total lack of sufficiency.

wholly insufficient

Similar to 'completely insufficient' but with a slightly more formal tone.

entirely lacking

Highlights the absence of necessary qualities or components.

utterly deficient

Stresses a severe lack or shortcoming.

plainly deficient

Highlights the obvious inadequacy of something.

manifestly deficient

Highlights the obvious lack of a required quality or element.

totally unfit

Indicates a lack of suitability for a specific purpose.

patently unsuitable

Emphasizes the obvious and clear lack of suitability.

absolutely unacceptable

Conveys a strong sense of disapproval and inadequacy.

thoroughly disappointing

Shifts the focus to the feeling of disappointment caused by the inadequacy.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoroughly inadequate" to describe something that completely fails to meet expectations. For example, "The budget allocated for the project was "thoroughly inadequate"."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly inadequate"?

Alternatives include "completely insufficient", "entirely lacking", or "utterly deficient" depending on the specific context.

Is "thoroughly inadequate" a formal or informal expression?

"Thoroughly inadequate" is suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts. However, consider the audience and adjust the language accordingly. In very informal settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "inadequate" and "thoroughly inadequate"?

Adding "thoroughly" to "inadequate" intensifies the degree of inadequacy. "Inadequate" simply means not good enough, while "thoroughly inadequate" emphasizes that something is completely and utterly insufficient.