Definitions

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.

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

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

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 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

The group has asked the Slams to pay 22% of their revenue in prize money by 2030, arguing the 15% the French Open is offering is inadequate.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Were you more aware, you would know or realize by now that the offending trousers were dispatched to you with our full knowledge that they were inadequate so far as length was concerned.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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