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 of inadequate

• lacking
• insufficient
• scarce
• low

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

The complaint alleges that the conduct contributed to two patient deaths linked to inadequate care. — Shelley Bortz, CBS News, 30 June 2026

The action sequences are jerky and disjointed; Supergirl’s laser eyes constitute the only occasional, if inadequate, jolt of life. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 26 June 2026

Prior to the vote, the board heard comments from a series of attendees who argued the rules were inadequate and criticized the process by which officials approved the Google facility last year. — Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2026

Calls for police forces run by each of the 36 states have grown louder over the years, with proponents arguing that a central police force in Abuja has proven inadequate in overseeing the country’s security needs. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 26 June 2026

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