as in lacking
not coming up to an expected measure or meeting a particular need
an inadequate amount of food on hand for so many unexpected guests
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inadequate
Water contaminated by industrial activities and inadequate wastewater treatment can lead to widespread contamination of agricultural soils.
—
David Bressan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Their inadequate winter clothes were only what the smugglers provided, the survivor told the jury.
—Steve Karnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Manpower shortages, inadequate staff training and experience, a lack of supervision and insufficient head counts contributed to the escape last year, authorities said at the time.
—CBS News, 23 May 2025
When their work is considered inadequate, a perfectionistic leader’s anger can threaten psychological safety in the workplace.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
David Bressan, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Their inadequate winter clothes were only what the smugglers provided, the survivor told the jury.
—Steve Karnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2025
Manpower shortages, inadequate staff training and experience, a lack of supervision and insufficient head counts contributed to the escape last year, authorities said at the time.
—CBS News, 23 May 2025
When their work is considered inadequate, a perfectionistic leader’s anger can threaten psychological safety in the workplace.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
Labor advocates say the strikers’ benefits bill is a necessary counter to the advantages most employers have at the bargaining table, especially since the Trump administration has left the National Labor Relations Board with insufficient members to act and shrunk the ranks of labor mediators.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
-
The measure previously failed to pass a procedural hurdle due to insufficient Democratic support.—
Owen Tedford,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
In a job market where interviews are scarce and searches can stretch for months, Marino-Briggs was struck by how often candidates arrived unprepared.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2025
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In a year where momentum is scarce, NASCAR’s 600-mile test provides a chance to put some distance between the good and the great.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
In fact, with one of the lowest average ages in the whole of the Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain this season has become a team known for its young, hardworking and likeable core group of players – Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Barcola and Doué have all garnered plaudits.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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