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.

“And I have the D.A. from the same county telling me it shouldn’t, and that the county of Los Angeles is inadequate to protect these funds.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

"And the way it is responding is by engaging in competition that is inadequate and frankly unfair."

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

Just weeks ago, a group of world-leading scientists warned Fifa that its current heat safety measures for the World Cup were "inadequate" and could put players at risk of serious harm.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Instead, there’s nuance: U.S. commercial inventories may be adequate for now, but if the bulk of Middle Eastern oil supplies remains out of global reach for longer, then they could prove inadequate.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Psychiatrist Dr. Jay Shurley felt those tests were inadequate to test for true sensory deprivation.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Vocabulary lists containing inadequate

In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Paltry Parlance: Synonyms for "Few"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"When Do Kids Become Adults?" Vocabulary from the argument

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!