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 2026 review authors noted that vitamin B6 may be most beneficial for people with inadequate levels, and further research is needed to confirm the direct effect. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 Will those risks outweigh the benefits, especially with extremely low early-stage detection for prostate, breast, ovarian, skin, and inadequate evidence of accuracy for many other cancers? — Torie Bosch, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026 The report paints a picture of the federal system for protecting farm animals in transit as woefully inadequate and largely toothless, dating back to the era when livestock traveled primarily by rail. — Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 24 Oct. 2026 Tiffany's opponent, Democrat David Crowley, said Tiffany's explanation of his actions in 2020 was inadequate. — CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
  1. lacking
  2. insufficient
  3. scarce
  4. low
Adjective
  • Illinois already ranks among the states with the highest property taxes in the nation, yet substantive efforts to relieve this burden remain entirely lacking.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Detroit Free Press and other Michigan- and national-based media organizations have said the claims are misleading or lacking context.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of lacking
Adjective
  • The report also noted that insufficient demand for recycled textiles presents an additional challenge, since recyclers aren’t likely to scale their efforts without a market for the recycled product.
    — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For her family, protections put in place before the violence proved insufficient.
    — Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of insufficient
Adjective
  • Dire situation in Oleshky Food and medical supplies have been scarce for months in Oleshky, which sits on the Dnipro River that separates Ukrainian forces from the city’s Russian occupiers.
    — ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Huang said that the allocation of energy — which is scarce in the region — to companies like Nebius and Mistral is crucial for their growth.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of scarce
Adjective
  • Landrew came off the bench for the first time this preseason and used his physicality to get to the basket for a pair of layups in the first half while Oskar Giltay battled with 7-foot-4 Daniel Jacobsen down low.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The distance is worth it for travelers who want a budget-friendly hotel that still has loads of style, as prices tend to be significantly lower than downtown hotels.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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