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
Allowing pregnant women to use an already-inadequate number of parking spaces has exacerbated problems for Keller and other people with disabilities, the legal challenge said.
—
Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan is an individual of such extraordinary warmth and compassion, to call him a mensch is not just trite but inadequate.
—Joshua M. Davidson, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that inadequate access to safe water and sanitation contributes to roughly $260 billion in annual economic losses, driven by preventable illness, and missed days of work and school.
—Kara Hurst, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
This is why attempts to explain Trumpism through conventional political analysis often feel inadequate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026
Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan is an individual of such extraordinary warmth and compassion, to call him a mensch is not just trite but inadequate.
—Joshua M. Davidson, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that inadequate access to safe water and sanitation contributes to roughly $260 billion in annual economic losses, driven by preventable illness, and missed days of work and school.
—Kara Hurst, Time, 23 Jan. 2026
This is why attempts to explain Trumpism through conventional political analysis often feel inadequate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
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Someone who speaks too directly is described as intense or lacking polish.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Nothing undermines success like a lack of stability, and of course, a lacking quarterback.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Using only final outcomes—like edit rates or acceptance ratios—as proxies for engagement is insufficient.—
François Candelon,
Fortune,
30 Jan. 2026
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But a federal magistrate judge in Minnesota approved charges against only three people, citing insufficient evidence that Lemon and others had conspired to deprive rights by interfering with someone’s religious freedom in a house of worship.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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On the surface, this may sound like a way to help survivors pursue justice when resources are scarce.—
Jaime Huff,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
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With the right setup, grow lights can keep houseplants healthy and growing year-round—even when sunshine is scarce.—
Rachel Gillett,
Martha Stewart,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Previously, just one satellite in the program had reached low Earth orbit — NEONSAT-1, which flew atop an Electron in April 2024.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
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Rieder is believed to prefer lower interest rates, a top priority for a president who wants massive rate cuts.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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