1 inadequate | Definition of inadequate

inadequate

adjective
in路​ad路​e路​quate | \ (藢)i-藞na-di-kw蓹t How to pronounce inadequate (audio) \

Definition of inadequate

: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient inadequate equipment also : not capable was inadequate as a leader

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Other Words from inadequate

inadequately adverb
inadequateness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for inadequate

Synonyms

deficient, insufficient, lacking, low, scarce, short, shy, wanting

Antonyms

adequate, enough, sufficient

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

Alas, their precautions will likely prove inadequate, in part because their cause has so many prominent champions, including but not limited to the president, who are prone to rhetorical excess and theatrical provocation. John Hood, National Review, "New Nationalists Make Three Big Bets," 28 Aug. 2019 The foreshadowing swings between heavy-handed and inadequate, and the reasoning behind what is, predictably, a scheme for revenge doesn鈥檛 make a whole lot of sense. Alex Davies, WIRED, "A Novelist Takes Self-Driving to Its Illogical Conclusion," 27 Aug. 2019 As a result of this indirect access to other people鈥檚 minds, these other minds seem lesser鈥攖hat is, dimmer, weaker, more inadequate鈥攖han our own. K.n.c., The Economist, "Societies are tearing apart, but they can be brought together," 14 Aug. 2019 The lack of funding has led to poor remuneration, the underfunding of hospitals which in turn means that medical facilities are inadequate and infrastructure is obsolete. Olayinka Stephen Ilesanmi, Quartz Africa, "As Nigeria鈥檚 health infrastructure crumbles, doctors have become a key export," 3 July 2019 An analysis from three advocacy groups has found that New York City鈥檚 plan for early voting for the 2020 national elections is grossly inadequate and, as designed, will favor white, affluent voters. Jessica Huseman, ProPublica, "New York City鈥檚 Early Voting Plan Will Favor White, Affluent Voters, Advocacy Groups Say," 17 May 2019 And before the Trump administration loosened lease requirements, some environmentalists said that the environmental review process was inadequate and often ignored public input. Maia Wikler, Teen Vogue, "Activists Protest Bureau of Land Management Leasing That Allow Oil and Gas Drilling on Public Lands," 15 Apr. 2019 Jurors found that two jail nurses ignored Sisson鈥檚 medical needs, deputies failed to conduct hourly welfare checks as required and the sheriff鈥檚 drug withdrawal protocol was inadequate. San Diego Union-Tribune, "San Diego County grappling with largest jury award in decades," 18 Aug. 2019 Amber Rollins, a prominent safety advocate, said NHTSA's approach is simply an inadequate response to a crisis that has killed hundreds of children in recent years. Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, "Kids are dying in hot cars at an alarming rate; safety agency tweets for awareness," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inadequate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of inadequate

1671, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for inadequate

inadequate

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of inadequate

: not enough or not good enough : not adequate

inadequate

adjective
in路​ad路​e路​quate | \ i-藞na-di-kw蓹t How to pronounce inadequate (audio) \

Kids Definition of inadequate

: not enough or not good enough an inadequate supply an inadequate excuse

inadequate

adjective
in路​ad路​e路​quate | \ -i-kw蓹t How to pronounce inadequate (audio) \

Medical Definition of inadequate

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : not adequate : deficient an inadequate dose inadequate perfusion inadequate diets
2 : lacking the capacity for psychological maturity or adequate social adjustment an inadequate personality

Other Words from inadequate

inadequately adverb

inadequate

noun

Medical Definition of inadequate (Entry 2 of 2)

: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment

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