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

Yet insurance coverage for these treatments is inconsistent and often inadequate. —Heather Gatcombe, STAT, 6 Apr. 2026

Noem was removed from her position following demonstrable failures in her management of the Department of Homeland Security, including misrepresenting a $220 million advertising campaign to Congress and inadequate emergency response coordination. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026

Instead, the Navy stripped the hangar's exterior and coated the steel frame with epoxy – a remediation critics considered inadequate – leaving behind a big bare skeleton. —New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026

Hidden Figures shows the world in which the real-life women lived, with widespread segregation, racist police officers, and inadequate public education for African Americans. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 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