as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
an inadequate amount of food on hand for so many unexpected guests
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequate
The production plans--which aren’t done--have likely proven to be inadequate, forcing the shipyard to redo their work.
—
Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
While fighting the French Revolutionary wars against other European nations, the armed forces dealt with daunting challenges: inadequate food, too few guns and tents, and expectations of democracy and equality that tested discipline and loyalty.
—Marjoleine Kars, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Experts have explained that storage capacity was not the issue, although water distribution was inadequate.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
According to the African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index, the Black community lives in inadequate or unaffordable housing at twice the rate of the population overall.
—Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
While fighting the French Revolutionary wars against other European nations, the armed forces dealt with daunting challenges: inadequate food, too few guns and tents, and expectations of democracy and equality that tested discipline and loyalty.
—Marjoleine Kars, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Experts have explained that storage capacity was not the issue, although water distribution was inadequate.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
According to the African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index, the Black community lives in inadequate or unaffordable housing at twice the rate of the population overall.
—Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
If Korea’s labor force becomes insufficient to produce and distribute basic goods—a distinct possibility by the end of the century—they could be hoarded by those of means.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
The New Yorker,
24 Feb. 2025
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Florida prosecutors did not file charges, citing insufficient evidence.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Track position is everything on a circuit as unforgiving as Monaco, where overtaking opportunities are scarce.—
Kanzah Maktoum,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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Inventory space is scarce, so this is really a last resort, as most of Lucy’s backpack should be filled with food and water.—
Issy van der Velde,
Rolling Stone,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Even though the amount of each check is lower, investing it in the stock market, which averages an annual return of 10%, could make up for that loss and more.—
Medora Lee,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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Research has found that people who regularly practice mindfulness generally experience less stress and lower levels of cortisol.—
Julia Ries,
SELF,
24 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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