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 can reaffirm that product liability requires a defective product or inadequate warning—not judicial oversight of R&D timelines.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

It seems to us that he can’t handle the responsibilities of being a father and feels inadequate in the role, possibly due to his lifelong financial dependence on his mother.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

A Delaware judge voided the award in 2024, citing inadequate shareholder disclosures.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Computer labs were eliminated years ago for being out of date and educationally inadequate for a student’s daily and even hourly academic needs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The word seemed inadequate, but I couldn’t think of a better response.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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