adequately

[ ad-i-kwit-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is sufficient, suitable, effective, or appropriate:

   The professor’s vague response failed to adequately answer our questions.

   The clinic needs to be appropriately staffed with permanently employed and adequately trained personnel.

Other Words From

• pre·ad·e·quate·ly adverb
• qua·si-ad·e·quate·ly adverb
• su·per·ad·e·quate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of adequately¹

adequate ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“Depravity does not adequately describe the callousness involved to kill a human being and then drive around in the victim’s own car with his body inside in order to carry out the rest of his plan,” O.C.

From Los Angeles Times

Israel says it has substantially increased the amount of aid getting into Gaza, and accuses aid agencies of failing adequately to distribute it.

From BBC

Israel says it has substantially increased the amount of aid getting into Gaza, and accuses aid agencies of failing to adequately distribute it.

From BBC

Major reproductive rights groups such as the regional Planned Parenthood organization did not believe the measure would adequately restore abortion rights and refused to support it.

From Los Angeles Times

She failed to adequately respond to working class voters’ major concerns about the economy and illegal immigration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appropriately
• competently
• decently
• satisfactorily
• sufficiently