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

Were those outbreaks traced to flooding from unusually heavy rainfall, leaking roofs, inadequate humidity control or some combination of factors? — Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Like all health care in the United States, fertility care is mired by fragmentation and inadequate transparency on cost, price, and billing. — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026

Another study that year among men in Limpopo province found that almost two-thirds had inadequate awareness of prostate cancer, while more than 80% knew nothing about screening methods. — Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Absent teachers who aren’t replaced, inadequate ventilation, leaking roofs and bathrooms in disrepair are among the list of complaints that French students began protesting in hopes to gain resolution and attention for underresourced schools. — Beth Collums, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026