INADEQUATE Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

inadequate

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət

as in lacking

not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need an inadequate amount of food on hand for so many unexpected guests

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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.

Recent Examples of inadequate Private prisons have long faced criticism for putting profits ahead of inmate welfare, with concerns centering around poor living conditions, inadequate rehabilitation efforts, and cost-cutting measures that compromise safety. —

Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,spencer Kimball,christina Wilkie,annie Nova,brian Evans,alex Harring,yun Li, CNBC, 20 Jan. 2025 Advocates said his condition was exacerbated by inadequate medical care while incarcerated. —

Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 20 Jan. 2025 Nilus also takes these cash management policies into account, raising a flag when a company is about to fail its own checks and balances — or when those checks and balances are inadequate. —

Lucinda Shen, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 While the prisoner avoided MDC Brooklyn, Devens was cited in 2024 by the Office of Inspector General for having inadequate medical staff to care for prisoners at the institution. —

Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inadequate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate

Adjective

However, following further investigation, Los Angeles Police Department officials determined there was insufficient probable cause to charge him with arson.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
The review concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support a link between moderate drinking and oral cavity, pharyngeal, esophageal, and laryngeal cancers.

— Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2025