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

The father of a Deer Path Middle School student said his sixth-grade son was attacked by other students earlier this month and is criticizing Lake Forest District 67’s initial response as inadequate. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Child advocates point to the high turnover at DCF, a less experienced workforce and inadequate resources for family and children in the system. —Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026

Subsequent investigations have suggested that the infrastructure and risk forecasting were inadequate for such a devastating natural disaster. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

And even trees raised with all the love and care in the world can fall victim to parasites, infections, inadequate care — or simply years. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 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