Synonyms of inadequate

inadequate

adjective

(ˌ)i-ˈna-di-kwət 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lacking
• insufficient
• scarce
• low
• deficient
• short
• wanting
• unacceptable
• unsatisfactory
• shy
• substandard
• sparse
• poor
• meager
• skimpy
• scanty
• scant
• lean
• stingy
• small
• mere
• minimum
• slender
• light
• spare
• slim
• bare
• skimp
• hand-to-mouth
• slight

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• adequate
• sufficient
• enough
• abundant
• generous
• ample
• plentiful
• copious
• liberal
• bountiful
• enlarged
• bounteous
• plenteous
• satisfactory
• expanded
• supplemented
• large
• overflowing
• tolerable
• rich
• considerable
• substantial
• plenitudinous
• lavish
• sizable
• super
• big
• teeming
• luxuriant
• hefty
• oversize
• abounding
• jumbo
• largish
• king-size

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inadequate

Political polarization certainly plays a role in depressing sales, as does inadequate charging infrastructure. — Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

The report revealed that 85% of providers in the United States experienced moderate or severe staffing challenges in the past year and 55% have had to turn away people in need of care due to inadequate staffing. — STAT, 2 Oct. 2026

Park advocates have long argued that the existing city allocation is inadequate, leaving neighborhoods with decaying recreation centers, deteriorating swimming pools and filthy park bathrooms. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Their complaints include inadequate staffing at schools, a lack of resources, crumbling infrastructure, and allegedly overpacked schedules. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026