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

"The single most important factor threatening the wellbeing of families and midwives and the cause of a potential disaster is inadequate staffing," the letter read.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Middle school made me feel miserable and inadequate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The lawsuit alleges that detainees face similar conditions as those at the annex, such as mold, disease, medical neglect and inadequate food and water.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

The girl couldn’t talk, couldn’t communicate at all except in the inadequate sign language she had invented—a language even her mother only half-understood.

From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler

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