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

He said the harm had been "wide-ranging and profound" and the system of monitoring air valves had been "inadequate".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

Middle school made me feel miserable and inadequate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

It seemed inadequate for the gift Leo had given him, but Leo grinned.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing inadequate

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