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

But, already, that capacity feels to be inadequate for a club with 5,000 season-ticket holders. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

The early days of pickleball saw a mix of outdoor and indoor play, on varying surfaces, and these generic tennis shoes proved decent on some surfaces but inadequate on others. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

But by 2035, all but six states are projected to have an inadequate supply of obstetric clinicians, according to a recent study that used data from the Health Resources & Services Administration. — Alana Semuels, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Many African governments are fighting cybercrime with inadequate staffing and equipment. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 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