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

The complaint, filed on behalf of workers by hospitality union UNITE HERE Local 11, claims employees were required to work in environments containing maggots, mold, cockroaches, excessive heat and inadequate supplies such as soap and paper towels. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

In February, the FDA initially declined Moderna’s request for review of the new flu vaccine, citing inadequate trials despite previous conflicting feedback within the agency. — Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

On the first day of the hearing, July 22, Salah Sarsour's brother, Mohammad Sarsour, testified that his brother appeared gaunt and dirty and complained of pain and inadequate medical care during his detention in an Israeli jail. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Bans and moratoriums are inadequate responses to the broad scope and urgency of this issue. — Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026