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

Appearance-enhancing filters may make viewers feel inadequate, and even teen-agers who use them may not register that others are doing the same. —Andrew Solomon, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2024

Sedentary living and inadequate dietary protein intake combine to cause muscle loss. —Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 26 Sep. 2024

Notably, Apple determined that the chip in last year’s iPhone 15 was inadequate for Apple Intelligence, so this is the first non-Pro iPhone that promises to support those features. —Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 26 Sep. 2024

The groups have also asked the city to address the impacts on wildlife, including deer, bobcats and mountain lions, that travel through the area, asserting that the developers’ plans to not have barriers or fencing were inadequate. —Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

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