adjective
inadequate
in-AD-ih-kwut/ɪnˈædɪkwət/
Not enough or not good enough for a purpose.
The ladder is inadequate for reaching the ceiling light.
Etymology
Making something equal to a requirement gives the idea of being sufficient. The negative prefix reverses that relationship: something inadequate does not measure up to what is needed, in either quality or amount.
In context
The supervision that was subsequently implemented was inadequate and inconsistent. The children who needed it most were often the ones least likely to receive it.
More examples
- The explanation was inadequate.
- Their supplies proved inadequate.
- The room had inadequate ventilation.
Forms
inadequate
inadequacy noun — failure to be sufficient or suitable
Similar words
- insufficient
- Not enough in amount.
- unsuitable
- Wrong for the purpose rather than insufficient.