inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət 

: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient

inadequate equipment

also : not capable

was inadequate as a leader

inadequately adverb

inadequateness noun

Synonyms

• deficient
• insufficient
• lacking
• low
• scarce
• short
• shy
• wanting

Examples of inadequate in a Sentence

These supplies are inadequate to meet our needs.

We were given very inadequate information.

I felt inadequate to the task.

Her brother's success and popularity always made her feel inadequate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Following a fourth death in 2017, the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties concluded that inadequate medical care contributed to at least two of these fatalities. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

The viaduct, built in the 1960s, has had inadequate pedestrian infrastructure for decades. —Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025

Traditional change management strategies often prove inadequate in this context. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

The Sheriff’s Office is also facing a class-action lawsuit alleging inadequate care for people in custody with a mental or physical illness or a physical disability. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inadequate

• adequate

Kids Definition

inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət 

: not adequate : not enough or not good enough

an inadequate supply of food

inadequately adverb

Medical Definition

inadequate

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate -i-kwət 

1

: not adequate : deficient

an inadequate dose

inadequate perfusion

inadequate diets

2

: lacking the capacity for psychological maturity or adequate social adjustment

an inadequate personality

inadequately adverb

inadequate

2 of 2 noun

: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment