inadequate

American  

[in-ad-i-kwit] / ɪnˈæd ɪ kwɪt /

adjective

1. not good enough for the purpose; inept or unsuitable.

   This old tent they gave us is completely inadequate—it’s equally bad at keeping out both the rain and the bugs!

   Synonyms:

   imperfect, defective, incommensurate, incompetent, inapt, incomplete

   Antonyms:

   sufficient

2. not sufficient for the purpose; not enough.

   The set of linens we received was so inadequate, we were asking friends for a loan of napkins and tablecloths.

3. Psychiatry. ineffectual in response to emotional, social, intellectual, and physical demands in the absence of any obvious mental or physical deficiency.

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inadequate British  

/ ɪnˈædɪkwɪt /

adjective

1. not adequate; insufficient

2. not capable or competent; lacking

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Other Word Forms

• inadequacy noun
• inadequately adverb

Etymology

Origin of inadequate

First recorded in 1665–75; in- ³ + adequate

Example Sentences

People use social media to keep up with their friends and family, but teens can also feel inadequate, sad or anxious when they compare themselves to a curated version of other people’s lives online.

From Los Angeles Times

Taxpayers face potential penalties and refund delays this season due to inadequate protections and a 27% IRS staffing reduction.

From Barron's

It was a tour which critics claimed involved inadequate planning, and which was blighted by poor performances and off-the-field issues.

From BBC

Their preparation was inadequate and their relaxed approach was brutally exposed by the relentless Australians.

From BBC

It says that shortages of masks, gloves and gowns meant that doctors and nurses had to work in "inadequate" conditions that put them at risk.

From BBC

Related Words

• deficient
• faulty
• incompetent
• incomplete
• lacking
• meager
• poor
• sad
• scarce
• sketchy
• skimpy
• unequal
• weak