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

The rapid expansion of psychedelic therapy has surfaced risks, like inadequate facilitator training and questionable consent practices in unregulated settings. —Sonia Singh, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025

Private pleas for Biden to show some heart were simply an inadequate response to the killing fields of Gaza, which anyone with eyes could recognize as a genocide. —Book Marks october 2, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2025

The solutions widely on offer are plainly inadequate. —Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025

Life advice Waking up with muscle pain along your spine is often caused by inadequate support while sleeping. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 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