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.

Among other complaints, detainees there allege systemic medical neglect and inadequate food and water.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Evolutionary theory is no longer heretical, Galileo has been issued a hall pass to heaven, and quite a few sincere if entirely inadequate apologies have been issued, mostly to people long dead.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But in February, a group of seven medical organisations said this would mean "inadequate scrutiny."

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

It is making a cold-eyed bet that the most frenzied build-out in the history of American capitalism will produce inadequate returns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

As a result these powerful substances could easily penetrate the inadequate defenses of the body.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Vocabulary lists containing inadequate

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