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
But, Perfection got put on hiatus until July 12 for lacking the drugs an office surgery center should have, inadequate BBL patient exams among other violations.
—
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Some buildings carry policies based on outdated valuations, which can result in partial or inadequate payouts after a loss.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Land with no clear owner The lack of a clear will or deed often happens due to inadequate access to – and distrust of – the legal system.
—Rusty Smith, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
The court rejected his claims that trial evidence was inadequate and that the trial judge made improper rulings.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 June 2025
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.
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 15 June 2025
Some buildings carry policies based on outdated valuations, which can result in partial or inadequate payouts after a loss.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Land with no clear owner The lack of a clear will or deed often happens due to inadequate access to – and distrust of – the legal system.
—Rusty Smith, The Conversation, 11 June 2025
The court rejected his claims that trial evidence was inadequate and that the trial judge made improper rulings.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inadequate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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
Share