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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inadequate
Large projects often struggle with financial constraints and inadequate planning.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 1 July 2025
The latest report said procedures put in place following the 2022 memorandum were inadequate.
—ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In fact, inadequate sleep increases the risk of postpartum depression.4
The good news is that there are ways to make recovery more bearable.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 June 2025
The starving infants are the quieter deaths in an aid system criticized as inadequate and marred by fatal violence.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
IEEE Spectrum, 1 July 2025
The latest report said procedures put in place following the 2022 memorandum were inadequate.
—ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In fact, inadequate sleep increases the risk of postpartum depression.4
The good news is that there are ways to make recovery more bearable.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 June 2025
The starving infants are the quieter deaths in an aid system criticized as inadequate and marred by fatal violence.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
But the data remains woefully insufficient to conclude what long-term exposure means for individuals, especially for vulnerable groups such as children or those with respiratory problems.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
In times of crisis, having no financial cushion means that a franchise brand may not only have insufficient funds to keep going when income is restricted, but also may not have the ability to make the changes needed to navigate the difficulties ahead.—
Fiona Simpson,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Accurate data is scarce, given that members of groups rarely self-identify.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Dholes are dogs and communal hunters, typically traveling in packs of up to 30 animals but can hunt alone or in pairs when prey is scarce, according to the study.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Because of its moisture needs, it is best planted near a body of water, such as a pond or streambed, or in low, damp spots.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
-
Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share