inadequate Hear it!

inadequate Definition

in·ad·equate (in ad′i kwət)

adjective

not adequate; not sufficient; not equal to what is required

inadequate Related Forms

in·ad′·equate·ly adverb in·ad′·equate·ness noun

inadequate Synonyms

inadequate

modif.

  1. Insufficient

    lacking, deficient, scanty, short, meager, failing, found wanting, unequal, not enough, sparing, stinted, stunted, feeble, sparse, too little, falling short, small, thin, incomplete, inappreciable, inconsiderable, spare, bare, parsimonious, niggardly, miserly, scarce, unsubstantial, barren, depleted, low, weak, flaccid, impotent, unproductive, dry, sterile, jejune, imperfect, defective, lame, sorry, pathetic, pitiful, exiguous, skimpy*, shy*, at low-water mark*; see also faulty, poor 2, unsatisfactory, wanting 1.

    Antonyms enough*, adequate*, sufficient. *

  2. Incompetent

    unequal, inept, ineffectual; see incompetent.

inadequate Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • woefully: That said, focusing narrowly on Iraq is woefully inadequate for reducing the nuclear threat.
  • grossly: Of course one post is grossly inadequate to deal with all the duties relating to public paths.
  • hopelessly: The supply of drugs even under the oil for food program is still hopelessly inadequate.
  • wholly: Existing road and rail services are wholly inadequate and major public investment would be required.
  • pitifully: I struggled to find some words of comfort to send by private email, but they seemed pitifully inadequate.
  • totally: Dr. Levine is concerned about the totally inadequate intake of DHA by most Americans.

Infinitive complement

  • cope: It is queried whether the existing foul drainage facility is already inadequate to cope with the enlarged property.
  • meet: Equipment taken into disaster areas was inadequate to meet the needs of women.

Modifies a noun

  • ventilation: Lower average temperatures ( within limits ) are likely to be better than inadequate ventilation.
  • intake: Dr. Levine is concerned about the totally inadequate intake of DHA by most Americans.
  • staffing: The particular consequences of inadequate staffing are evidenced by the experience of GR.
  • smear: Inadequate smears were those which provided little or no basis for report and so led to a request for a repeat smear.
  • resourcing: Rail Network Members considered letter received from the Association of Local Authorities of NI regarding the inadequate resourcing of the rail network in NI.
  • nutrition: These changes can lead to increased animal disease, inadequate nutrition and poor husbandry.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: In some small houses, even a large sump has proved inadequate.
  • deem: DR. - The type of cycle stands used in ' Ashton Moss ' retail area, deemed inadequate.
  • seem: The defense he gives, however, seems somewhat inadequate.
  • feel: He'd never said anything about the physical side of their marriage to make her feel inadequate.
  • appear: At present the systems of committees and debate appear inadequate.
  • remain: Most boroughs were slow to take advantage of the 1835 Act and remained grossly inadequate until after 1856.