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
State-run ports and rail company Transnet has struggled with inadequate operational facilities in recent years, stymying growth in Africa’s biggest economy.
—
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
The findings noting that staffing was at 78%, and raised concerns about inadequate suicide prevention practices.
—Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
According to Burga, Latino communities in places already burdened by air pollution, inadequate infrastructure and systemic neglect — such as Los Angeles and the Central Valley — face intensified and exacerbated risks.
—Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
The most visible sign of the United States’ inadequate preparation is its aging icebreaker fleet.
—Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 25 June 2025
The findings noting that staffing was at 78%, and raised concerns about inadequate suicide prevention practices.
—Claire Healy, Miami Herald, 25 June 2025
According to Burga, Latino communities in places already burdened by air pollution, inadequate infrastructure and systemic neglect — such as Los Angeles and the Central Valley — face intensified and exacerbated risks.
—Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
The most visible sign of the United States’ inadequate preparation is its aging icebreaker fleet.
—Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
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The former governor complained on June 19 that the Board of Elections' plans to mitigate the heat were insufficient and demanded air conditioning in polling places.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
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Even if the United States completes the modernization as planned, the country’s arsenal will still be insufficient to confront today’s and tomorrow’s nuclear challenges.—
VIPIN NARANG,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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High-Potential, Untapped Markets I’m inspired by what others ignore—those quiet gaps where attention is scarce but potential is high, like a niche market with growing demand but little innovation.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Aside from mining for lunar water, these efforts might involve the extraction of an isotope called helium-3, which is scarce on Earth but is in relatively large abundance on the moon.—
Julian Dossett,
Space.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Does the Trump administration really want to sink that low?—
Louis Balsamo,
Baltimore Sun,
25 June 2025
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Al Bello/Getty Images Outside of the Giants' organization, expectations are low.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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