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
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
Additionally, company restructuring and layoffs is a concern for 25% of respondents, as is inadequate compensation and benefits.
—
The Hill, 9 May 2025
The victims claim Prevost failed to open an investigation and sent inadequate information to Rome, while the diocese allowed the priest to continue delivering mass, SNAP claims.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Negligence, inadequate response The 98-page lawsuit alleges the defendants were negligent in their roles in the drilling, including failing to mark and locate underground gas lines, adequately responding to the leak, and violating safety regulations and standards.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025
Individuals in low-income communities already face numerous social and economic challenges, including inadequate housing, limited access to nutritious food, and transportation barriers.
—Jacki Stratoudakis, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
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The Hill, 9 May 2025
The victims claim Prevost failed to open an investigation and sent inadequate information to Rome, while the diocese allowed the priest to continue delivering mass, SNAP claims.
—Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
Negligence, inadequate response The 98-page lawsuit alleges the defendants were negligent in their roles in the drilling, including failing to mark and locate underground gas lines, adequately responding to the leak, and violating safety regulations and standards.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2025
Individuals in low-income communities already face numerous social and economic challenges, including inadequate housing, limited access to nutritious food, and transportation barriers.
—Jacki Stratoudakis, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 17 May. 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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