inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət 

: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient

inadequate equipment

also : not capable

was inadequate as a leader

inadequately adverb

inadequateness noun

Synonyms

• deficient
• insufficient
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

Examples of inadequate in a Sentence

These supplies are inadequate to meet our needs.

We were given very inadequate information.

I felt inadequate to the task.

Her brother's success and popularity always made her feel inadequate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Survivors have long called for accountability, arguing that the Church's response has been inadequate and that senior figures must be held responsible. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

That conviction was set aside by an Oklahoma court which said his defense was inadequate. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025

In June last year, 23 workers were killed in a fire at a lithium battery factory that authorities blamed on quality control failures and inadequate safety training. —Reuters, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2025

This legacy of fear and inadequate training is passed through generations—with 78% of Black children and 62% of Latino children lacking proficient swimming skills when their parents have no or low swimming competency. —Cullen Jones, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inadequate

• adequate

Kids Definition

inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət 

: not adequate : not enough or not good enough

an inadequate supply of food

inadequately adverb

Medical Definition

inadequate

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate -i-kwət 

1

: not adequate : deficient

an inadequate dose

inadequate perfusion

inadequate diets

2

: lacking the capacity for psychological maturity or adequate social adjustment

an inadequate personality

inadequately adverb

inadequate

2 of 2 noun

: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment