inadequate

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət How to pronounce inadequate (audio)
Definition of inadequatenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inadequate The report makes clear that OpenAI’s monitoring systems were inadequate, failing to detect that its AI agents were engaged in potentially dangerous activity. — Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 Representatives of detainees at Adelanto have filed a civil class-action lawsuit alleging widespread abuse — including systemic medical neglect, inadequate food and water and mold contamination. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Along the way, Randolph encountered barriers to care, inadequate support and racial disparities in maternal and infant care. — Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Baltimore Police Pattern of unconstitutional policing The lawsuit also alleges a pattern of excessive force and unconstitutional policing in Baltimore County, as well as inadequate training and supervision of officers. — Mike Hellgren, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
  1. lacking
  2. insufficient
  3. scarce
  4. low
Adjective
  • Ohio's fittest cities don't rank in the national top 25, but that doesn't mean the Buckeye State is unhealthy or lacking amenities.
    — Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Where to Stay Ely hosts a handful of hotels and motels within town limits, but true luxury accommodations are somewhat lacking.
    — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of lacking
Adjective
  • Prevents Calcium Deficiency That Can Reduce Bone Strength Individuals with reduced calcium absorption or insufficient dietary intake may be at risk of calcium deficiency and may require a supplement.
    — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026
  • But tariffs alone proved insufficient to tackle the security risks that come with Chinese monopoly power, and Washington has begun to experiment with many more tools of industrial policy.
    — Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of insufficient
Adjective
  • For reference, antimony is a relatively scarce metal/mineral used in things like flame retardants, batteries, electronics, and defense applications.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • David Szondy/New Atlas What was needed was a cheap, effective weapon that could be produced quickly and in large numbers with the scarce resources available in a country committed to total war.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of scarce
Adjective
  • Bonnell Bonnell isn’t the first to come to the electric off-road motorcycle arena, but its strategy is to differentiate itself through integration, adjustability and relatively low weight rather than simply trying to win the horsepower spreadsheet.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • In a footnote to his dissent, Roberts wrote that the underground work on the project – which lower courts had allowed to proceed – addressed the government’s security concerns.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of low

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Cite this Entry

“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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