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 players argue the CBA is inadequate in compensation and other terms of employment, and the union exercised an option to end the current deal early.
—
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Whoever’s on the team ends up needing a little support from Robert, with their teammates miserable about losing one of their own to an inadequate sub.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Since then, Israeli forces have killed nearly 70,000 people in Gaza, according to local health officials, and devastated the enclave, leaving a vast majority of the population with inadequate access to food, shelter and medical care.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025
Some of the most common vulnerabilities are misconfigurations and overentitlements, both of which stem from some degree of inadequate coverage.
—Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Whoever’s on the team ends up needing a little support from Robert, with their teammates miserable about losing one of their own to an inadequate sub.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Since then, Israeli forces have killed nearly 70,000 people in Gaza, according to local health officials, and devastated the enclave, leaving a vast majority of the population with inadequate access to food, shelter and medical care.
—Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 28 Oct. 2025
Some of the most common vulnerabilities are misconfigurations and overentitlements, both of which stem from some degree of inadequate coverage.
—Ethan Stone, IndyStar, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
But Wild coach John Hynes noted in training camp that Jiricek’s decision making in the heat of the battle in the defensive zone is sometimes lacking.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
27 Oct. 2025
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And the flick, based on Hoover’s bestselling novel, lays it on thick alongside a lacking narrative and cringey dialogue.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The decision followed a monthslong investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office that concluded there was insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.—
Daniel Lempres,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
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Yet most national climate targets remain outdated and insufficient.—
Natalie Unterstell,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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As housing remains scarce, pricey, and out of reach, the share of first-time home buyers has hit an all-time low.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
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Cost of living is raging, high-paying job opportunities are scarce, and layoffs are on the rise.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The research team highlighted that beyond water harvesting, these coatings could help reduce urban heat island effects, lower energy needs for air-conditioning and provide climate-resilient water sources in regions facing growing heat and water stress.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
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When camping in an open environment, select a campsite in a valley, ravine, or low region.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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