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

Uncontrolled hypertension concentrates in neighborhoods shaped by segregation, disinvestment, food insecurity and inadequate access to trusted care. — Garth Walker, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

However, the success of pivoting often depends on fundamental issues such as inadequate network segmentation or inappropriate trust relationships. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026

Many commenters criticize the owner for negligence, particularly for leaving the animals unattended with inadequate fencing. — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 27 Sep. 2026

Experts blame the high toll on unsafe vehicles, widespread disregard for traffic regulations and inadequate emergency services. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026