without enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"without enough" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where there is a lack or insufficiency of something. For example: "The project failed without enough funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Without enough zinc, children die of diarrhea.

The New York Times

This time the curtain fitters arrived without enough hooks.

Independent

They are eating too many calories, without enough nutrition.

The New York Times

But its plot unfolds disjointedly and without enough suspense.

The New York Times - Arts

"We submitted the applications late and without enough information".

The Guardian

These guys are going to war without enough troops.

The New York Times

The war left us without enough classrooms and teachers.

The Guardian

The drive took 12 days, without enough food or water.

The Guardian

"People come in without enough money behind them.

The New York Times

It was like a wedding without enough alcohol.

The Guardian - Music

Worse, company shares, traded without enough disclosure and without enough volume to establish convincing prices, invited all kinds of market abuse and flouting of minority shareholders' rights.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "without enough", clearly specify what is lacking. For example, instead of saying "the project failed without enough", specify "the project failed "without enough" funding".

Common error

Avoid using "without enough" in overly general statements that lack specific context. Instead of saying "the plan failed "without enough" preparation", specify what kind of preparation was lacking (e.g. research, training, resources).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without enough" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a condition or circumstance under which something else occurs. It specifies a lack or deficiency that affects the outcome of an action or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and frequently used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without enough" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a deficiency or lack that impacts a situation or outcome. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's prevalent in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted to different levels of formality. Remember to specify what is lacking to avoid vagueness, and consider using alternatives like "lacking sufficient" or "inadequate" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insufficient

A more formal synonym for inadequate, often used in technical contexts.

inadequate

Describes something that doesn't meet the required standard or amount.

lacking sufficient

More formal; emphasizes the absence of what's needed.

not having sufficient

Expands the original phrase to include "having", adding emphasis.

deficient in

Focuses on a specific element that is missing or inadequate.

falling short of

Suggests a failure to reach a necessary level or target.

short on

Informal; implies a temporary or manageable shortage.

wanting in

Implies that something is missing and desirable.

low on

Informal and suggests that reserves are dwindling.

scarce in

Emphasizes the rarity or limited availability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "without enough" in a sentence?

You can use "without enough" to indicate a lack or deficiency of something. For example, "The team couldn't finish the project "without enough" resources", or "The cake tasted bland "without enough" sugar".

What are some alternatives to using "without enough"?

Alternatives include "lacking sufficient", "deficient in", or "inadequate", depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to say "not enough" or "without enough"?

Both phrases are correct, but "without enough" typically emphasizes the consequence of the lack. "Not enough" is a more direct statement of insufficiency. For example, "There was not enough time" vs. "The project failed "without enough" time".

What's the difference between "without sufficient" and "without enough"?

"Without sufficient" is more formal and often used in technical or legal contexts, while "without enough" is more common in everyday language. Both phrases indicate a lack, but "without sufficient" can imply a higher standard of requirement.