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
Late last year, Tesla recalled many of its vehicles because Autopilot displayed inadequate safety alerts.
—
Emily Price, PCMAG, 21 Apr. 2024
Clearly, there is no shame in feeling a little inadequate compared to her.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
Devastating flooding after a January storm prompted city officials to revive a possible flood prevention tax, which was considered and abandoned two years ago after polls showed inadequate support.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
The automaker said some customers may have had an inadequate understanding of their cars’ braking system.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024
Seniors living in rental housing in Detroit are dealing with mold infestation, vermin, lack of heat and inadequate security measures.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
And the inadequate coordination of operations that plagues aid delivery, spotlighted by the tragic April 1 killing of seven staff members of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy, is further undermining Israel’s military efforts.
—Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2024
The most prominent example of inadequate structure is the role of Human Resources (HR) departments.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
The state board of education will not renew a low-income Gaston County school’s charter due to concerns over low performance and inadequate oversight.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024
Emily Price, PCMAG, 21 Apr. 2024
Clearly, there is no shame in feeling a little inadequate compared to her.
—Shannon Carlin, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024
Devastating flooding after a January storm prompted city officials to revive a possible flood prevention tax, which was considered and abandoned two years ago after polls showed inadequate support.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2024
The automaker said some customers may have had an inadequate understanding of their cars’ braking system.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 17 Apr. 2024
Seniors living in rental housing in Detroit are dealing with mold infestation, vermin, lack of heat and inadequate security measures.
—Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 16 Apr. 2024
And the inadequate coordination of operations that plagues aid delivery, spotlighted by the tragic April 1 killing of seven staff members of a World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid convoy, is further undermining Israel’s military efforts.
—Shira Efron, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2024
The most prominent example of inadequate structure is the role of Human Resources (HR) departments.
—William Mullane, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
The state board of education will not renew a low-income Gaston County school’s charter due to concerns over low performance and inadequate oversight.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2024
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 28 Apr. 2024.
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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