was inadequately prepared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was inadequately prepared" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone or something did not have sufficient preparation for a task or event. Example: "The team was inadequately prepared for the presentation, leading to several missed points and confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Dominica was inadequately prepared for a storm such as Erika.

The Guardian

B7 IN ATLANTA -- State and local health department officials said the public health system worked well in containing the deliberate spread of anthrax but was inadequately prepared for a larger outbreak.

The New York Times

President Obama's election was not a magic antidote -- and his administration was inadequately prepared for that reality.

Huffington Post

Spook was inadequately prepared and never became comfortable on the set after an overhead light crashed to the floor on his first day.

Wikipedia

The discussion that we present arose from the realisation that the novice GP researcher (first author of this paper, RM) was inadequately prepared for her role as an in-depth interviewer in her PhD study, despite being an experienced clinician.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Studies of expectations before genetic counselling have shown that clients often do not know the procedure or structure of the counselling appointment, sometimes resulting in the client feeling that he or she was inadequately prepared (Hallowell et al, 1997; Stadler et al, 1998; Berkenstadt et al, 1999; Bernhardt et al, 2000; Holloway et al 2004).

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

US troops, Hoh writes, were "inadequately prepared and resourced".

The Guardian - Opinion

As a result, some new children's social workers were "inadequately prepared for the challenge".

The Guardian

Many of the camps in Greece are inadequately prepared for winter: in warehouses without insulation, heating or flooring.

The Guardian

He had one year at a big state college before he lost his scholarship-he had been inadequately prepared.

The New Yorker

The United States is inadequately prepared to confront bioterrorist attacks, according to a broad range of health experts and officials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was inadequately prepared" to describe situations where specific shortcomings in preparation had a negative impact on an outcome. For example, "The presentation was inadequately prepared, resulting in confusion among the audience."

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid using "was inadequately prepared" in very casual settings. Simpler phrases like "wasn't ready" or "wasn't prepared enough" often sound more natural in informal conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was inadequately prepared" functions as a predicate adjective describing the state of a subject. It indicates a deficiency in the preparation undertaken, implying a negative impact on the outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was inadequately prepared" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of insufficient preparation. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity, and it appears in various contexts, including news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. While semantically close alternatives like "was poorly prepared" or "was ill-prepared" exist, "was inadequately prepared" carries a slightly more formal tone. When writing, remember that while grammatically acceptable in any scenario, the nature of this phrase fits formal context better. Using simpler alternatives in casual conversations might sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was unprepared

A shorter, more direct synonym indicating a state of not being ready.

was unready

A simple, direct synonym for not being prepared.

was ill-prepared

Implies a lack of readiness or foresight.

was insufficiently ready

Highlights the inadequate level of readiness.

was poorly equipped

Focuses on the lack of necessary resources or tools.

lacked proper training

Emphasizes the absence of adequate training or instruction.

was deficient in preparation

Highlights the specific deficiency in the preparation process.

was not sufficiently briefed

Focuses on the lack of proper information or instructions.

was wanting in readiness

Indicates a lack of the required level of readiness.

was caught off guard

Suggests a surprise or unexpected situation leading to unpreparedness.

FAQs

What does "was inadequately prepared" mean?

It means that someone or something did not have sufficient or adequate preparation for a task, event, or situation. It suggests a deficiency in the planning or resources needed to handle something effectively.

What are some alternatives to "was inadequately prepared"?

Some alternatives include "was poorly prepared", "was ill-prepared", or simply "was unprepared". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was inadequately prepared" or "was not adequately prepared"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. However, "was inadequately prepared" can sound more formal. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

How can I use "was inadequately prepared" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a person, team, organization, or even a system. For example: "The team "was inadequately prepared" for the audit, resulting in several findings.".