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
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
According to the African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index, the Black community lives in inadequate or unaffordable housing at twice the rate of the population overall.
—
Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
Facing this foreseeable challenge, most politicians’ responses have been inadequate.
—Veronique De Rugy, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
Some of the key concerns for the Public Works Department include having equipment stored outdoors year-round and that office space, lockers and restrooms at the current site are inadequate to serve existing and future staff, village officials said.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Even with a flapping of legs and the application of the end of the bridle reins, the horses’ pace seemed inadequate.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inadequate 
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Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
Facing this foreseeable challenge, most politicians’ responses have been inadequate.
—Veronique De Rugy, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025
Some of the key concerns for the Public Works Department include having equipment stored outdoors year-round and that office space, lockers and restrooms at the current site are inadequate to serve existing and future staff, village officials said.
—Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Even with a flapping of legs and the application of the end of the bridle reins, the horses’ pace seemed inadequate.
—Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inadequate
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Dictionary Entries Near inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
2 of 2 noun
: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment
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