INADEQUATELY Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

inadequately

adverb

as in poorly

in an unsatisfactory way she did the job quickly, but inadequately

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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 inadequately Even as funding pours in, first responders say the village remains inadequately prepared to protect residents and tourists. — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026 The case accused school officials of unreasonably exposing McNair to the risk of heatstroke, failing to recognize the initial symptoms and inadequately providing medical care and treatment, thus worsening McNair’s condition. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The case went before Carter, who also oversees a six-year-old case in which the city and county are accused of inadequately addressing homelessness. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 Beatty has challenged the board’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years, arguing its initial decision was rushed and inadequately considered. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2026 In the last decade and a half, a carrousel of feuding political factions took turns governing, all inadequately. — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026 Last year Lee was questioned by legislators after the audit found staffing shortages and process failures had left thousands of cases inadequately investigated, including serious injuries and deaths. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Around the world, most caregivers are either uncompensated or inadequately compensated, and many rely on public assistance where available to make ends meet. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The investigation also found that the Prison Rape Elimination Act was inadequately implemented. — Sierra Van Der Brug, Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequately

Adverb

Things were going poorly even before Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign ran the most offensive ad of the year.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
His season started poorly with an injury in the first game of the year.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of poorly

Adverb

Photos show the badly charred facility was filled with potentially explosive equipment and moonshine ingredients, including propane tanks.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026
This hint of connection between them is later made concrete when, at the demonstration, the two are complicit in an act of defiance — throwing a cobblestone at a policeman, badly injuring him — and must skip town for the night.

— Guy Lodge, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of badly

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inadequate

inadequately

inadequateness

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“Inadequately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequately. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inadequately

adverb

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