inadequate
adjective
in·ad·e·quate
(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət 
: not adequate : not enough or good enough : insufficient
inadequate equipment
also
: not capable
was inadequate as a leader
inadequately
adverb
inadequateness
noun
Examples of inadequate in a Sentence
These supplies are inadequate to meet our needs.
We were given very inadequate information.
I felt inadequate to the task.
Her brother's success and popularity always made her feel inadequate.
Recent Examples on the Web
The hospitals struggled over the years under the company with inadequate staffing and antiquated equipment.
—
Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
Since last spring, lawyers and advocates have complained of inadequate medical care, contaminated food and minimal schooling for children held there.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Agencies and employees are doing good work, but excessive waste results from overregulation, weak accountability, and inadequate oversight.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Yes, inadequate sleep can limit growth hormone release, affecting overall development.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
Since last spring, lawyers and advocates have complained of inadequate medical care, contaminated food and minimal schooling for children held there.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Agencies and employees are doing good work, but excessive waste results from overregulation, weak accountability, and inadequate oversight.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Yes, inadequate sleep can limit growth hormone release, affecting overall development.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inadequate
adjective
in·ad·e·quate
(ˈ)in-ˈad-i-kwət
: not adequate : not enough or not good enough
an inadequate supply of food
inadequately
adverb
Medical Definition
inadequate
2 of 2 noun
: one who is inadequate especially in terms of social adjustment
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
