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
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 disclosure and mitigation remain inadequate, leaving investors unable to distinguish between companies managing exposure and those at risk.
—
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
China's historically high savings rates stem from a combination of factors: inadequate social safety nets prompting precautionary savings; demographic shifts, marked by an aging population; high and unpredictable costs for housing and healthcare.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
In a separate lawsuit, attorneys representing detainees allege that people being held at the center have inadequate access to legal representation and confidential meetings with their attorneys.
—Dara Kam, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2025
Other Kerr County officials testified that an inadequate flash-flood warning system upstream contributed to the disaster.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
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Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
China's historically high savings rates stem from a combination of factors: inadequate social safety nets prompting precautionary savings; demographic shifts, marked by an aging population; high and unpredictable costs for housing and healthcare.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2025
In a separate lawsuit, attorneys representing detainees allege that people being held at the center have inadequate access to legal representation and confidential meetings with their attorneys.
—Dara Kam, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2025
Other Kerr County officials testified that an inadequate flash-flood warning system upstream contributed to the disaster.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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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