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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequate
The city's police force is understaffed and its public safety apparatus is inadequate to deliver justice, with too little jail space and too few prosecutors and judges to move cases through the courts.
—
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026
His report also noted that Ahmad had been complaining to the prison about inadequate food for months, citing reports from the prison medical clinic.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
The stockpiles of advanced munitions (particularly interceptor missiles) are radically inadequate and will remain so for some time.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Research shows many runners already under-consume carbs, with amateurs—who often lack sports‑nutrition guidance—being especially prone to inadequate intake.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Cleve R. Wootson Jr. The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026
His report also noted that Ahmad had been complaining to the prison about inadequate food for months, citing reports from the prison medical clinic.
—ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
The stockpiles of advanced munitions (particularly interceptor missiles) are radically inadequate and will remain so for some time.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Research shows many runners already under-consume carbs, with amateurs—who often lack sports‑nutrition guidance—being especially prone to inadequate intake.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
But the upper frequencies are still slightly lacking.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
30 Mar. 2026
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Loro Parque, a zoo on the island of Tenerife, offers a clean and safe environment, expert care and proper mental and social stimulation that Wikie and Keijo are desperately lacking.—
Valerie Greene,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Aaron thought about writing an op-ed or speaking at a rally, but such gestures struck him as painfully insufficient.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
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Kratom poisonings are probably underestimated due to the reliance on self-reports and because of insufficient testing, the study researchers and other experts agreed.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Companies competed for scarce workers with healthcare coverage when wages were frozen.—
Charles Edward Gehrke,
Fortune,
28 Mar. 2026
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Details were scarce on when checks would arrive, and a political battle in Congress over funding the Department of Homeland Security continued in earnest Friday.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Customers in Upper Chichester, Lower Chichester, Marcus Hook and Twin Oaks, might experience low to no water pressure as the main break affects the area.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
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While the data show overall birth outcomes improving — declining rates of prematurity, low birth weight, and infant mortality — disparities are still prevalent, particularly for Black women.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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