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.

"It didn't limit student use of AI in any way -- so, completely insufficient, inadequate."

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

He worked in the area for nearly 40 years and saw much turnover among local businesses due to high rents and inadequate parking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

A recent report from the regulator, the Care Quality Commission, improved the trust's standing from "inadequate" to "requires improvement".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Companies could be sued by investors or dunned by the SEC if their disclosures were deemed inadequate or misleading.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

His insides, already uncomfortable due to their inadequate helping of rubbery mushrooms, tingled with unease.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

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