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
Both 1929 and 2008 involved financial innovations outrunning inadequate regulation.
—
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
The investigation found Wongel died because of multiple errors by the ride operators and inadequate training.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
Barbie Reynolds had anemia during detention, leaving her weak and frail, likely due to months of inadequate food quality and quantity, UN experts said.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Lack of communication and trust within the family is the leading cause (60%) of wealth transfer failure and 25% is due to heirs’ inadequate preparation, knowledge and skills to manage an inheritance, the Williams study said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 21 Sep. 2025
The investigation found Wongel died because of multiple errors by the ride operators and inadequate training.
—Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
Barbie Reynolds had anemia during detention, leaving her weak and frail, likely due to months of inadequate food quality and quantity, UN experts said.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
Lack of communication and trust within the family is the leading cause (60%) of wealth transfer failure and 25% is due to heirs’ inadequate preparation, knowledge and skills to manage an inheritance, the Williams study said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
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Art that truly centres girlhood, meanwhile, had too often been dismissed as sentimental or lacking intellectual rigor.—
Caterina De Biasio,
Vogue,
25 Sep. 2025
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The film’s overall low-key tenor downplays both moral judgment and conspicuous style, though neither are entirely lacking.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Some Republicans note that Earle-Sears’s strategy of focusing on trans issues may not be salient enough this cycle and may end up being insufficient.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
28 Sep. 2025
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Meta tweaked the system to bring it in line with EU regulation, but in July the European Commission asked for further changes, implying that the company might face daily fines if the overhaul is deemed insufficient.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Details on the deal were scarce, but the studio heads were enthusiastic about the new partnership.—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
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Unfortunately, bargains are scarce in South End – even a quick lunch carries a premium.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Jarren Duran lined a low single through the left side of the infielder, and Eaton raced home.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
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Long-term solutions may involve investments in affordable housing and community land trusts to provide sustainable options for low-income families.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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