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

For example, Jim Cramer believes Kenvue — which was spun out of Johnson & Johnson in 2023 — had an inadequate e-commerce and warehouse strategy, which Kimberly-Clark can rectify. — Jeff Marks,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Prop 40 includes provisions that would allow qualifying taxpayers with illiquid wealth to defer payments, but Rauh argues those protections are inadequate. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

As disability has grown in both numbers and visibility, these baseline requirements have become inadequate, advocates say. — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

However, higher temperature cannot compensate indefinitely for inadequate density or rapid energy losses. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 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