inadequate

adjective

in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
Synonyms of inadequate
: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient
inadequate equipment
also : not capable
was inadequate as a leader
inadequately adverb
inadequateness noun

Synonyms of inadequate

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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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yields dipped and then rebounded in the wake of the Treasury buyback move, a signal that bond investors believed Bessent's moves were inadequate. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 Baltimore Police Pattern of unconstitutional policing The lawsuit also alleges a pattern of excessive force and unconstitutional policing in Baltimore County, as well as inadequate training and supervision of officers. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Flat outsole sneakers lack the arch support that keeps the foot from rolling in and provide inadequate shock absorption. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026 Emerging data does show women are more likely to suffer from certain conditions such as autoimmune disorders and conditions associated with inadequate access to quality reproductive care. — Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequate

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inadequate was in 1671

Rhymes for inadequate

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Browse Nearby Words

inadequacy
inadequate
in a different league
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Cite this Entry

“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inadequate

adjective
in·​ad·​e·​quate (ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
: not adequate : not enough or not good enough
an inadequate supply of food
inadequately adverb

Medical Definition

inadequate

1 of 2 adjective
in·​ad·​e·​quate -i-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
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
inadequately adverb

inadequate

2 of 2 noun
: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment
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