as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
an inadequate amount of food on hand for so many unexpected guests
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Recent Examples of inadequate
The production plans--which aren’t done--have likely proven to be inadequate, forcing the shipyard to redo their work.
—
Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
While fighting the French Revolutionary wars against other European nations, the armed forces dealt with daunting challenges: inadequate food, too few guns and tents, and expectations of democracy and equality that tested discipline and loyalty.
—Marjoleine Kars, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Experts have explained that storage capacity was not the issue, although water distribution was inadequate.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
According to the African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index, the Black community lives in inadequate or unaffordable housing at twice the rate of the population overall.
—Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Craig Hooper, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
While fighting the French Revolutionary wars against other European nations, the armed forces dealt with daunting challenges: inadequate food, too few guns and tents, and expectations of democracy and equality that tested discipline and loyalty.
—Marjoleine Kars, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Experts have explained that storage capacity was not the issue, although water distribution was inadequate.
—Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
According to the African Nova Scotian Prosperity and Well-Being Index, the Black community lives in inadequate or unaffordable housing at twice the rate of the population overall.
—Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
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And, according to Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the entitled Zelenskyy showed insufficient gratitude for the billions of dollars in U.S. aid that Ukraine has received following the Russian invasion.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
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With only 28 physicians per 10,000 people as of 2019, the current provider-to-patient ratio is insufficient, and The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.5 providers per 1,000 people are needed for adequate primary care.—
Waqaas Al-siddiq,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The area normally can expect 38.4 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Chicago was warmer than average during the 2023-24 season due to a La Niña climate system, which meant snow was scarce.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
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Over the last decade, counties where large majorities of residents drink fluoridated water have consistently posted low rates of emergency room visits for dental conditions, especially in comparison to counties where fluoridated water is relatively scarce.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, making this a low-effort yet nutrient-dense option for meal prep or a cozy dinner.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2025
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Women are also approved at a lower rate for small business loans and face more scrutiny when seeking investments.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to inadequate
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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