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

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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 When populations exceed what the land can sustainably support, animals can face inadequate forage and water, declining body condition and other serious consequences. — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026 The federal lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal filings brought by both former employees and jail residents that have accused Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden of poor leadership, inadequate inmate care and fostering a toxic workplace. — Amber Gaudet updated August 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 This pollution crisis, first detected 50 years ago, is the result of inadequate wastewater infrastructure and toxic contamination buildup which has worsened dramatically in recent years. — Samhita M Ilango, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Multiple schools in the Poudre School District in Northern Colorado plan to release early on Thursday due to forecast high temperatures and inadequate air conditioning. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
  1. lacking
  2. insufficient
  3. scarce
  4. low
Adjective
  • 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
  • Which is to say quality constraints on what Paramount could conceivably dump into theaters are totally lacking.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lacking
Adjective
  • Liman dismissed Baldoni’s lawsuit, finding that his claims against Lively, Reynolds and others were legally insufficient.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • And 29 percent of respondents said insufficient total stock is their biggest inventory concern.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of insufficient
Adjective
  • When bulbs start growing and blooming in spring or summer, water them only when the soil feels dry to the touch and rainfall is scarce.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of solely selling hardware and software, Nvidia is leveraging its strong financial position to create a financing ecosystem, enabling customers to access scarce compute at scale.
    — Sanjit Singh Dang, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of scarce
Adjective
  • Structural inflation, fueled by government deficits, AI investments, low unemployment rates, growing trade barriers and energy disruptions, is reshaping the landscape for markets, according to Fidelity International.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The low-molecular-weight collagen seeps into your skin as an in-office treatment would, reducing the size of pores and lifting saggy, crepey skin.
    — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of low

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inadequate
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Cite this Entry

“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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