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

Protective equipment would be inadequate. —Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

This battery was clearly inadequate from the start. —Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Detainees describe inhumane conditions such as overcrowding, unsanitary living areas, and inadequate food. —Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 1 June 2026

Protesters have been gathering outside Delaney Hall for more than a week to support the detainees, who allege inadequate medical care, poor living conditions and delays in immigration proceedings, which DHS denies. —Adam Reiss, NBC news, 31 May 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