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

My career was insulted, and I was mocked for fumbling around while attempting to juice a pineapple with a woefully inadequate kitchen utensil. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

But common challenges involving information technology, inadequate staffing levels and other issues will help inform the commission’s work going forward. — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 15 Sep. 2026

If your attic has thin, uneven, or inadequate insulation, more of that heat can make its way into your living space. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 2026

Even after that decree was reached, Common Cause monitors reported in 2024 missing or inadequate Spanish-language signs in the city about voter ID requirements and provisional ballots, as required by federal law, The Journal reported at the time. — Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, 11 Sep. 2026