-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Electric vehicle enthusiasts say shortcomings like inadequate range and high prices have been eliminated but the latest EVs to hit the market show that is far from the case.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024
With this in mind, several local institutions around Seattle have drafted land acknowledgements recognizing that words alone are inadequate.
—Melissa Santos, Axios, 11 Oct. 2024
Researchers aren’t entirely sure why that happens—but at its core, the problem seems linked to inadequate deep, restorative rest, Schuetz says.
—Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency slapped a cease and desist order and a $450 million civil penalty on TD Bank Thursday over its inadequate Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and anti-money laundering (AML) compliance program.
—Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 10 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.
Word History
First Known Use
1671, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to inadequate
Dictionary Entries Near inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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
2 of 2 noun
: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment
More from Merriam-Webster on inadequate
Nglish: Translation of inadequate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of inadequate for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share