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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
Trans men and nonbinary people face inadequate reproductive health care due to lack of education among providers, or outright mistreatment.
—
Elisa Crespo, New York Daily News, 10 Aug. 2024
Two months ago, Baltimore’s inspector general received a complaint about how Baltimore’s Department of Public Works provided inadequate water, ice and fans to workers who labor in abysmal conditions.
—
Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 8 Aug. 2024
Rivals have called Google’s existing offering in this regard inadequate.
—
Paresh Dave, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2024
The New York Times, which interviewed a dozen anonymous contestants, reported on Aug. 2 that contestants sustained injuries and had inadequate access to food and medical care.
—
Daysia Tolentino, NBC News, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inadequate ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-08-15--15-22-11-hrh2al/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inadequate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1671, in the meaning defined above
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 Aug. 2024.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on inadequate
Nglish: Translation of inadequate for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of inadequate for Arabic Speakers
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