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

Often, underperformance is rooted in commercial challenges—poor go-to-market capabilities, weak differentiation, inadequate sales talent, lack of a SalesTech infrastructure, or insufficient understanding of market conditions, as the latest CMO Survey has shown. —Julian Villanueva, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Deputies discovered numerous cats and dogs living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, with inadequate food, water and ventilation. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 10 Dec. 2024

How Season for Caring helps people at risk of homelessness Many of them, like Canales, have been experiencing homelessness or inadequate housing. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 8 Dec. 2024

Problems included inadequate security, chronic staffing shortages and hazardous conditions such as crumbling concrete and broken cell doors. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 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