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

Greenland has free public health care, but because of underfunding, fragmented infrastructure, inadequate staffing and logistical challenges, the health care system has issues. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2026

The lawsuit also blames a drop in Wisconsin student testing scores over the past two decades with inadequate funding. —ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026

Since the fire, the city has faced criticism for an inadequate deployment of firefighters, a chaotic evacuation of Pacific Palisades and a lack of water caused in part by a local reservoir being left empty for repairs. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Elevated stress hormones such as cortisol may worsen cholesterol patterns over time, and inadequate sleep is linked to insulin resistance. —Stephanie Anderson Witmer, Health, 23 Feb. 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