inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient
inadequate equipment
also : not capable
was inadequate as a leader
inadequately adverb
inadequateness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Crafting the right prompt can mean the difference between receiving valuable output that streamlines your workflow or an inadequate response that leaves you frustrated. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Outside of ace Garrett Crochet, whose 1.38 ERA is currently eighth in MLB and third in the AL, Red Sox starters have been inadequate to say the least, with a collective 4.55 ERA — 22nd in MLB — and just four wins against eight defeats. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 Later, in the same interview, Kennedy raised safety concerns about the measles vaccine, saying testing was inadequate. Michelle R. Smith, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 On June 12th, a nurse prescribed an antidepressant, which, alone, was inadequate. Sarah Stillman, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inadequate

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inadequate was in 1671

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inadequate

adjective
in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inadequate

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