inadequate

[in-ad-i-kwit] / ɪnˈæd ɪ kwɪt /

ADJECTIVE

defective, insufficient, incompetent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deficient faulty incompetent incomplete lacking meager poor sad scarce sketchy skimpy unequal weak

WEAK

bare barren bush-league depleted dry failing feeble found wanting glitch imperfect impotent inappreciable inapt incapable incommensurate inconsiderable insubstantial junk lame lemon lousy low minus miserly not enough parsimonious scanty short shy small spare sparse sterile stinted stunted thin too little unproductive unqualified

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able abundant adequate capable complete enough full perfect potent strong sufficient

WEAK

competent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Under fire for what critics say is inadequate protection of its young user base, Roblox nevertheless remains incredibly popular.

From Slate • May 17, 2026

Lawyers for the group contended that the city was obfuscating to cover up its inadequate efforts to comply with its settlement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Among these were poor cleanliness, dirty equipment, inadequate staff supervision and food safety management failures.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

It seems to us that he can’t handle the responsibilities of being a father and feels inadequate in the role, possibly due to his lifelong financial dependence on his mother.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

“I reflected on how inadequate any man is for the office of the American Presidency,” he later recalled.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

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