Word

inadequate

adjective C1

/ɪnˈædəkwɪt/

Meanings

adjective

not enough or not good enough for a particular need or purpose

adjective

not having the necessary ability or skills to deal with a situation

Definition

Not good enough in quality, amount, or ability for a particular purpose.

If something is inadequate, it does not meet the level that is needed. It may be too small, too weak, or not effective enough to solve a problem or achieve a goal. The word often appears in formal writing to evaluate resources, preparation, or performance. It is commonly followed by “for” to show the purpose it fails to meet.

Examples

I realized my notes were inadequate for a detailed seminar discussion, so I went back to the sources.
Your explanation is inadequate for readers who are new to the topic, because it skips the key steps.
He submitted an inadequate safety plan, and the project team asked him to revise it before work began.
Her internet connection was inadequate for the video call, so her audio kept cutting out.
They found the lighting in the hallway inadequate, which made the space feel unwelcoming at night.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse “inadequate” with “insufficient,” but “inadequate” emphasizes not meeting a required standard, not only being too little.