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

Critics say the state has been far too slow to build new housing, leading to high demand and inadequate supply. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

Chaffin argued the documents cited by the administration to justify the call-up were inadequate. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Lewis determined Ruiz had received inadequate representation. —Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025

John Palmer, spokesperson for the Ohio Hospital Association, pointed to policy changes, tariffs and inadequate reimbursement from insurance providers as some of the factors that are straining hospitals' finances and leading to service shutdowns. —Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 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