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

Federal and municipal investigations linked infant mortality and other diseases to contaminated water, overcrowded housing, and inadequate sanitation, rather than to individual failings. —Time, 19 Dec. 2025

In 2017, immigrants there reported poor conditions, such as a lack of clean water and inadequate medical care. —Meg Anderson, NPR, 18 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, inadequate security conditions exacerbate the exposures. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 17 Dec. 2025

What the state agency found FCMAT last investigated the district’s potential insolvency in 2018, identifying several areas of concern including budget development, ongoing deficit spending, erosion of the unrestricted general fund balance, inadequate reserves, and leadership and stability. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 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