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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequate
Plant employees have filed a slew of complaints to state investigators, describing chemical exposure risks, inadequate personal protective equipment, respiratory hazards and more.
—
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
The city’s famous fog hung over everything and the chilly air sliced through our inadequate summer clothing.
—Emma Sloley
august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
During July, Fort Worth restaurants had issues with roaches, rodent droppings, dead rodents and inadequate hot water or food storage temperatures.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025
Tracy had faced criticism as an inadequate advocate for the state party in the media, often dodging reporters at GOP events and, when speaking to them, repeating national Republican talking points.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
The city’s famous fog hung over everything and the chilly air sliced through our inadequate summer clothing.
—Emma Sloley
august 14, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
During July, Fort Worth restaurants had issues with roaches, rodent droppings, dead rodents and inadequate hot water or food storage temperatures.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2025
Tracy had faced criticism as an inadequate advocate for the state party in the media, often dodging reporters at GOP events and, when speaking to them, repeating national Republican talking points.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
Hochman dismissed the petition as legally insufficient.—
Hannah Parry
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Existing software solutions may be insufficient, and the public digital infrastructure may be lacking, so projects at the intersection of hardware and software could fill critical gaps.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In that way, Gabbard yet again sacrificed scarce and even unique expertise to please the president.—
Andreas Kluth,
Twin Cities,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Junk food is cheap, readily available, and aggressively marketed—while healthy food is scarce and expensive.—
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Avoid puddles - Driving into puddles or low rainwater areas can lead to vehicles hydroplaning or losing control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Steeper declines were also seen in people with lower incomes, less education, and those living in nonmetropolitan areas.1 Women and individuals with higher education levels were the most likely to read for pleasure—but their habits are shifting.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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