Inadequate
Lacking the necessary quality, quantity, or ability to meet a purpose; not sufficient or suitable.
adjectiveInadequate
Lacking the necessary quality, quantity, or ability to meet a purpose; not sufficient or suitable.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a construction crew attempting to install a bridge beam. The beam is clearly undersized for the load it must bear, and inspectors shake their heads. The project stalls because the design and materials are inadequate to ensure safety.
Sounds Like
in-AD-uh-kwuht
Looks Like
in + adequate
Remember This
The prefix 'in-' means 'not.' Adequate comes from Latin adequatus, meaning 'made equal' or 'suitable'. Inadequate literally means 'not adequate.'
Other Forms
Connect With
adequate, sufficient, deficient, lacking
Note
Use inadequate to describe something that fails to meet a required standard or purpose. It often refers to resources, explanations, plans, or performances. Distinguish from 'insufficient' (not enough) and 'inappropriate' (not suitable).