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
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
The most common reason African violets stop flowering is inadequate lighting.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025
Florida’s prison system is rife with allegations of abuse and brutality and inadequate medical care, even for inmates without developmental disabilities or mental health issues.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
As the drought levels increase, crop growth becomes stunted, grazing land can become inadequate, and at the extreme level, irrigation contracts may not be able to be met.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inadequate 
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Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
The most common reason African violets stop flowering is inadequate lighting.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025
Florida’s prison system is rife with allegations of abuse and brutality and inadequate medical care, even for inmates without developmental disabilities or mental health issues.
—Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
As the drought levels increase, crop growth becomes stunted, grazing land can become inadequate, and at the extreme level, irrigation contracts may not be able to be met.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inadequate
Articles Related to inadequate
Dictionary Entries Near inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 18 Jan. 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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