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

That, plus an economic system and society that abide by inadequate low-income wages, lack of national health care, oppressive housing and rent practices, and more. —Kevin Fagan, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025

But the one constant, the researchers added, is inadequate healthcare support – for both individuals who have received a diagnosis and those who have not. —New Atlas, 3 Feb. 2025

Making those investments will help business and housing developers because inadequate infrastructure prevents building. —Alex Golden, Axios, 29 Jan. 2025

During a House hearing in April, Change Healthcare admitted that the breach was made possible due to inadequate security measures, specifically the absence of two-factor authentication to protect its systems. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

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