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
Chaffin argued the documents cited by the administration to justify the call-up were inadequate.
—
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Lewis determined Ruiz had received inadequate representation.
—Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
John Palmer, spokesperson for the Ohio Hospital Association, pointed to policy changes, tariffs and inadequate reimbursement from insurance providers as some of the factors that are straining hospitals' finances and leading to service shutdowns.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
Operational issues such as the timing of traffic signals and inadequate signage will also be addressed.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Lewis determined Ruiz had received inadequate representation.
—Amy Yurkanin, ProPublica, 9 Oct. 2025
John Palmer, spokesperson for the Ohio Hospital Association, pointed to policy changes, tariffs and inadequate reimbursement from insurance providers as some of the factors that are straining hospitals' finances and leading to service shutdowns.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
Operational issues such as the timing of traffic signals and inadequate signage will also be addressed.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
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Even well into the 1930s, America’s defense machinery was woefully lacking, especially in the critical transport of material and personnel.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
17 Oct. 2025
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And every year is subject to the quality of the free-agent class, and 2021’s starting pitching market was especially lacking.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Again, officials at the Department of Public Instruction cited insufficient evidence to revoke Hanson’s teaching license.—
Danielle DuClos,
jsonline.com,
17 Oct. 2025
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Layoffs would only begin if attrition and departure incentives were insufficient to reduce the size of the workforce.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Few dentists remain open in Gaza, and the materials for braces are scarce.—
Ghada Abdulfattah,
The Atlantic,
21 Oct. 2025
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Public housing gets a rebrand As a nationwide housing shortage keeps affordable options scarce, an old idea is getting a new look.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The 29-time PGA Tour winner has carded three rounds in the 60s, but hasn't been able to go low enough to be among the contenders.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
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The pair keep a relatively low profile but have collaborated on productions including Wickline’s theater project, Dukes Forever, which Hornbuckle directed.—
Alyssa Davis,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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