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

Many have great concerns, based on ICE’s long history of use‑of‑force controversies, inadequate training and the medical risks. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

The suit alleges pilot error, inadequate training and the deployment of a 32-year-old aircraft whose systems are under investigation. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

Current licensure and liability structures for autonomous AI are inadequate, but the answer is to create adequate structures, not to reject autonomous AI. — Abe Baker-Butler, STAT, 9 Sep. 2026

One Anthropic researcher resigned due to claims of inadequate safeguards. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026