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
Large projects often struggle with financial constraints and inadequate planning.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 1 July 2025
The latest report said procedures put in place following the 2022 memorandum were inadequate.
—ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In fact, inadequate sleep increases the risk of postpartum depression.4
The good news is that there are ways to make recovery more bearable.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 June 2025
The starving infants are the quieter deaths in an aid system criticized as inadequate and marred by fatal violence.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
IEEE Spectrum, 1 July 2025
The latest report said procedures put in place following the 2022 memorandum were inadequate.
—ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025
In fact, inadequate sleep increases the risk of postpartum depression.4
The good news is that there are ways to make recovery more bearable.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 June 2025
The starving infants are the quieter deaths in an aid system criticized as inadequate and marred by fatal violence.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inadequate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inadequate
Adjective
-
But the data remains woefully insufficient to conclude what long-term exposure means for individuals, especially for vulnerable groups such as children or those with respiratory problems.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
-
Among other issues, the board cited inadequate inventory of unexploded ordnance and insufficient inventory of ancient burials and associated artifacts.—
Audrey McAvoy,
Los Angeles Times,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
Longevity Delivers More Than Health These stories prove what’s possible, even when resources are scarce.—
Sylvana Quader Sinha,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
But for most people real human attention is scarce.—
Paul Bloom,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Because of its moisture needs, it is best planted near a body of water, such as a pond or streambed, or in low, damp spots.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
-
Trim the lower branches of your hydrangea to allow air to circulate at ground level.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inadequate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inadequate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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