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

• deficient
• insufficient
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

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

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

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