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

But compensation packages offered to affected employees by the company were inadequate, the lawsuit alleges. —Meg James, Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2024

This was also listed among cases in which there were inadequate responses. —Laura Meckler, Washington Post, 17 June 2024

Like with other streaming platforms, including Spotify, artists and labels have said that compensation is inadequate for the artists that make the music soundtracking billions of TikTok videos. —Mia Sato, The Verge, 13 June 2024

Some hotels might have water purification methods that meet safety standards, while others may have inadequate filtration systems or maintenance practices. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

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