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

Alliance sought a contempt order contending that the city was willfully obfuscating to cover up inadequate efforts to live up to 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 can reaffirm that product liability requires a defective product or inadequate warning—not judicial oversight of R&D timelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

As for food produced and sold within a state, the situation is even worse, for most states have woefully inadequate laws in this field.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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