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

• 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

Weak oversight of third-party providers, delayed responses and inadequate security policies leave personal information exposed and vulnerable to attackers. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025

Infrastructure gaps, such as missing water lines or inadequate manholes, are other challenges that the group has collaborated with the Unified Government on. —Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025

The report comes after the Coast Guard concluded in August that a combination of factors including inadequate design, improper maintenance and a toxic workplace culture at OceanGate all contributed to the disaster. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

Radiation shielding for multi-year exposure remains inadequate. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

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