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

Current licensure and liability structures for autonomous AI are inadequate, but the answer is to create adequate structures, not to reject autonomous AI. — Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026

Sadly, that’s the stuff that makes all the good work done elsewhere seem chintzy or inadequate. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026

One Anthropic researcher resigned due to claims of inadequate safeguards. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Fascism and communism are political systems designed to benefit society’s most inadequate and corrupt. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Sep. 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