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

Without enough first responders — including firefighters, paramedics and police — the post-earthquake emergency response is likely to be inadequate. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026

While sometimes an injury is to blame, often a pair of inadequate shoes is the real culprit. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Because of their history of poor sleep, people with insomnia may suffer from anxiety about getting inadequate sleep, which can then increase sleeplessness at night. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 18, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026

In 2018, immigrants held at a California correctional center sued ICE over religious freedom violations, inadequate conditions, and due-process violations. — Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026