GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜に足りない
Indicates that something lacks enough value or merit to warrant a particular evaluation or consideration.
Examples
根拠のないうわさは、検討するに足りない。
A groundless rumor is not worth considering.
Words used
その説明は信じるに足りない。
That explanation is not worthy of belief.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Follow a dictionary-form verb with
に足りないto say that something lacks the merit or grounds to warrant that action or assessment. - Basic usage:
根拠のないうわさは、検討するに足りない。means that a groundless rumor is not worth considering.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Insufficient quantity versus merit
資料が足りないmeans there is not enough material.信じるに足りないjudges something to lack sufficient grounds for belief and takes a dictionary-form verb before it.
- に足る and the scope of negation
信じるに足る説明is an explanation worthy of belief, whereas信じるに足りない説明falls short of that standard. The judgment concerns the explanation's credibility.