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
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
An inferiority complex is a tendency to feel inadequate or, as the term suggests, inferior to others.
—
Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
The price tag is a realistic accounting of past mistakes, supporters argue
Some experts say the report’s price tag reflects the reality of overcoming decades of budget cuts and inadequate funding for low-income housing and social services, my colleagues Liam and Doug report.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Three weeks after Tropical Storm Helene turned quaint creeks and rivers into deadly forces of nature in western North Carolina on Sept. 27, statistics still feel inadequate to describe the depth of its wounds.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 20 Oct. 2024
The parcels containing those items will have become undeliverable for a number of reasons, including that the address is inadequate or illegible, or that the person may have moved or there is no return address.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequate 
Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024
The price tag is a realistic accounting of past mistakes, supporters argue
Some experts say the report’s price tag reflects the reality of overcoming decades of budget cuts and inadequate funding for low-income housing and social services, my colleagues Liam and Doug report.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Three weeks after Tropical Storm Helene turned quaint creeks and rivers into deadly forces of nature in western North Carolina on Sept. 27, statistics still feel inadequate to describe the depth of its wounds.
—Michael Graff, Axios, 20 Oct. 2024
The parcels containing those items will have become undeliverable for a number of reasons, including that the address is inadequate or illegible, or that the person may have moved or there is no return address.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inadequate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
2 of 2 noun
: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment
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