Synonyms of inadequate

inadequate

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət 

as in lacking

not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need

an inadequate amount of food on hand for so many unexpected guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lacking
• insufficient
• scarce
• low
• deficient
• short
• wanting
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• shy
• substandard
• sparse
• poor
• meager
• skimpy
• scanty
• scant
• lean
• stingy
• small
• mere
• minimum
• slender
• light
• spare
• slim
• bare
• skimp
• hand-to-mouth
• slight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adequate
• sufficient
• enough
• abundant
• generous
• ample
• plentiful
• copious
• liberal
• bountiful
• enlarged
• bounteous
• plenteous
• satisfactory
• expanded
• supplemented
• large
• overflowing
• tolerable
• rich
• considerable
• substantial
• plenitudinous
• lavish
• sizable
• super
• big
• teeming
• luxuriant
• hefty
• oversize
• abounding
• jumbo
• largish
• king-size

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inadequate

Insecurity in farming communities, weak productivity, inadequate extension services and poor incentives have severely undermined cotton cultivation. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Road accidents are common in Pakistan because of poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous areas. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

Uranus in Gemini is transforming the structure of our conversations, narratives and mindsets, making previous methods of communication feel increasingly inadequate. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

After ingestion, the drug is excreted and flows through inadequate wastewater treatment systems, with only 47% of Rio's wastewater effectively treated before discharge into coastal waters. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026